title: Image quality and radiation dose comparison of prospectively triggered low-dose CCTA: 128-slice dual-source high-pitch spiral versus 64-slice single-source sequential acquisition.
abstract: Currently 64-multislice computed tomography (MSCT) scanners are the most widely used devices allowing low radiation dose coronary CT angiography (CCTA) with prospective ECG triggering. Latest 128-slice dual-source CT (DSCT) scanners offer prospective high-pitch spiral acquisition covering the heart during one single beat. We compared radiation dose and image quality from prospective 64-MSCT versus high-pitch spiral 128-slice DSCT scanning, as such data is lacking. CCTA of 50 consecutive patients undergoing 128-DSCT (2 × 64 × 0.6 mm collimation, 0.28 s rotation time, 3.4 pitch, 100-120 kV tube voltage and 320 mAs tube current-time product) were compared to CCTA of 50 heart rate (HR) and BMI matched patients undergoing 64-MSCT (64 × 0.625 mm collimation, 0.35 s rotation time, 100-120 kV tube voltage and 400-650 mA tube current). Image quality was rated on a 4-point scale by two independent cardiac imaging physicians (1 = excellent to 4 = non-diagnostic). Of 710 coronary segments assessed on 128-DSCT, 216 (30.4%) achieved an image quality score 1 excellent, 400 (56.3%) score 2, 76 (10.7%) score 3 and 18 (2.6%) score 4 (non-diagnostic). Of 737 coronary segments evaluated on 64-MSCT 271 (36.8%) had an image quality score of 1, 327 (44.4%) 2, 110 (14.9%) score 3, and 29 (3.9%) segments score 4. Average image quality score for both scanners was similar (P = 0.641). The mean heart rate during scanning was 58.7 ± 5.6 bpm on 128-DSCT and 59.0 ± 5.6 bpm on 64-MSCT, respectively. Mean effective radiation dose was 1.0 ± 0.2 mSv for 128-DSCT and 1.7 ± 0.6 mSv for 64-MSCT (P < 0.001). 128-DSCT with high-pitch spiral mode allows CCTA acquisition with reduced radiation dose at maintained image quality compared to 64-MSCT.
authors: Department of Radiology, Cardiac Imaging, University Hospital Zurich, Ramistrasse 100, NUK C 42, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland.
authors: Jelena R
authors: JR
authors: Ghadri
authors: Silke M
authors: SM
authors: Küest
authors: Robert
authors: R
authors: Goetti
authors: Michael
authors: M
authors: Fiechter
authors: Aju P
authors: AP
authors: Pazhenkottil
authors: Rene N
authors: RN
authors: Nkoulou
authors: Felix P
authors: FP
authors: Kuhn
authors: Carsten
authors: C
authors: Pietsch
authors: Patrick
authors: P
authors: von Schulthess
authors: Oliver
authors: O
authors: Gaemperli
authors: Christian
authors: C
authors: Templin
authors: Philipp A
authors: PA
authors: Kaufmann
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D016477:Artifacts; D055424:Cardiac-Gated Imaging Techniques; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D017023:Coronary Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D061330:Multidetector Computed Tomography; D015588:Observer Variation; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D012042:Registries; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013557:Switzerland; D036542:Tomography, Spiral Computed