title: Improving Image Quality of Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography Using Patient Weight and Height-Dependent Scan Trigger Threshold.
abstract: We aim to improve the image quality of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) by using personalized weight and height-dependent scan trigger threshold.
  
  
  
  This study was divided into two parts. First, we performed and analyzed the 100 scheduled CCTA data, which were acquired by using body mass index-dependent Smart Prep sequence (trigger threshold ranged from 80 Hu to 250 Hu based on body mass index). By identifying the cases of high quality image, a linear regression equation was established to determine the correlation among the Smart Prep threshold, height, and body weight. Furthermore, a quick search table was generated for weight and height-dependent Smart Prep threshold in CCTA scan. Second, to evaluate the effectiveness of the new individual threshold method, an additional 100 consecutive patients were divided into two groups: individualized group (n = 50) with weight and height-dependent threshold and control group (n = 50) with the conventional constant threshold of 150 HU. Image quality was compared between the two groups by measuring the enhancement in coronary artery, aorta, left and right ventricle, and inferior vena cava. By visual inspection, image quality scores were performed to compare between the two groups.
  
  
  
  Regression equation between Smart Prep threshold (K, Hu), height (H, cm), and body weight (BW, kg) was K = 0.811 × H + 1.917 × BW - 99.341. When compared to the control group, the individualized group presented an average overall increase of 12.30% in enhancement in left main coronary artery, 12.94% in proximal right coronary artery, and 10.6% in aorta. Correspondingly, the contrast-to-noise ratios increased by 26.03%, 27.08%, and 23.17%, respectively, and by 633.1% in contrast between aorta and left ventricle. Meanwhile, the individualized group showed an average overall decrease of 22.7% in enhancement of right ventricle and 32.7% in inferior vena cava. There was no significant difference of the image noise between the two groups (P > .05). By visual inspection, the image quality score of the individualized group was higher than that of the control group.
  
  
  
  Using personalized weight and height-dependent Smart Prep threshold to adjust scan trigger time can significantly improve the image quality of CCTA.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Dongfang Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100078, China.
authors.forename: Deqiang
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kang
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Dongfang Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100078, China.
authors.forename: Haiqin
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hua
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Dongfang Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100078, China.
authors.forename: Nan
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Peng
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Dongfang Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100078, China.
authors.forename: Jing
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Zhao
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Dongfang Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100078, China. Electronic address: wangzhiqun@126.com.
authors.forename: Zhiqun
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Wang
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001827:Body Height; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight; D002681:China; D000072226:Computed Tomography Angiography / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017023:Coronary Angiography / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003331:Coronary Vessels / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D058996:Quality Improvement / Q000458:organization & administration; D013223:Statistics as Topic
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media
keywords: Individualization; contrast media; coronary computed tomography angiography; scan threshold