Coronary CT angiography using 64 detector rows: methods and design of the multi-centre trial CORE-64

Ultra-high-resolution 40 keV virtual monoenergetic imaging using spectral photon-counting CT in high-risk patients for coronary stenoses

OBJECTIVES

To assess the image quality of ultra-high-resolution (UHR) virtual monoenergetic images (VMIs) at 40 keV compared to 70 keV, using spectral photon-counting CT (SPCCT) and dual-layer dual-energy CT (DECT) for coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA).

METHODS AND MATERIALS

In this prospective IRB-approved study, 26 high-risk patients were included. CCTA was performed both with an SPCCT in UHR mode and with one of two DECT scanners (iQOn or CT7500) within 3 days. 40 keV and 70 keV VMIs were reconstructed for both modalities. Stenoses, blooming artefacts, and image quality were compared between all four reconstructions.

RESULTS

Twenty-six patients (4 women [15%]) and 28 coronary stenoses (mean stenosis of 56% ± 16%) were included. 40 keV SPCCT gave an overall higher quality score (5 [5, 5]) than 70 keV SPCCT (5 [4, 5], 40 keV DECT (4 [3, 4]) and 70 keV SPCCT (4 [4, 5]), p < 0.001). Less variability in stenosis measurement was found with SPCCT between 40 keV and 70 keV (bias: -1% ± 3%, LoA: 6%) compared with DECT (-6% ± 8%, LoA 16%). 40 keV SPCCT vs 40 keV DECT showed a -3% ± 6% bias, whereas 40 keV SPCCT vs 70 keV DECT showed a -8% ± 6% bias. From 70 keV to 40 keV, blooming artefacts did not increase with SPCCT (mean +2% ± 5%, p = 0.136) whereas they increased with DECT (mean +7% ± 6%, p = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

UHR 40 keV SPCCT VMIs outperformed 40 keV and 70 keV DECT VMIs for assessing coronary artery stenoses, with no impairment compared to 70 keV SPCCT VMIs.

KEY POINTS

Question Use of low virtual mono-energetic images at 40 keV using spectral dual-energy and photon-counting CT systems is not yet established for diagnosing coronary artery stenosis. Findings UHR 40 keV SPCCT enhances diagnostic accuracy in coronary artery assessment. Clinical relevance By combining spectral sensitivity with lower virtual mono-energetic imaging and ultra-high spatial resolution, SPCCT enhances coronary artery assessment, potentially leading to more accurate diagnoses and better patient outcomes in cardiovascular imaging.

Automated detection and quantification of aortic calcification in coronary CT angiography using deep learning: A comparative study of manual and automated scoring methods

BACKGROUND

Aortic calcification, often incidentally detected during coronary artery calcium (CAC) scans, is underutilized in cardiovascular risk assessments due to manual quantification challenges. This study evaluates a deep learning model for automating aortic calcification detection and quantification in coronary CT angiography (CTA) images. We validate against manual assessments and compare the association of manual and automated assessments with incident major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).

METHODS

A deep learning algorithm was applied to CAC scans from 670 participants in the CORE320 and CORE64 studies. Aortic calcification in the aortic root, ascending, and descending aorta was quantified manually and automatically. Concordance correlation coefficients (CCC) assessed agreement, and Cox regression and ROC analyses evaluated association with incident MACE.

RESULTS

Automated scoring demonstrated high concordance with manual methods (CCC: 0.926-0.992), supporting its reliability in assessing aortic calcifications. ROC analysis revealed that the automated method was as effective as the manual technique in predicting MACE (p ​> ​0.05).

CONCLUSION

Automated aortic calcification scoring is a reliable alternative to manual methods, offering consistency and efficiency in the analysis of incidental findings on CAC scans.

Coronary computed tomography plaque-based scores predict long-term cardiovascular events

OBJECTIVES

Coronary computed tomography angiography (coronary CTA) scores based on luminal obstruction, plaque burden, and characteristics are used for prognostication in coronary artery disease (CAD), such as segmental stenosis and plaque extent involvement and Gensini and Leaman scores. The use of coronary CTA scores for the long-term prognosis remains not completely defined. We sought to evaluate the long-term prognosis of CTA scores for cardiovascular events in symptomatic patients with suspected CAD.

METHODS

The presence and extent of CAD were evaluated by coronary CTA in patients from two multicenter prospective studies, which were classified according to several coronary CTA scores. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE). Two hundred and twenty-two patients were followed up for a median of 6.8 (6.3-9.1) years, and 73 patients met the composite endpoints of MACE.

RESULTS

Compared to the clinical prediction model, the highest model improvement was observed when added obstructive CAD. After adjustment for the presence of obstructive CAD, the segment involvement score for non-calcified plaque (SISNoncalc) was independently associated with MACE, presenting incremental prognostic value over clinical data and CAD severity (χ2 39.5 vs 21.2, p < 0.001 for comparison with a clinical model; and χ2 39.5 vs 35.6, p = 0.04 for comparison with clinical + CAD severity). Patients with obstructive CAD and SISNoncalc > 3 were likely to experience events (HR 4.27, 95% CI 2.17-4.40, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Coronary CTA plaque-based scores provide incremental long-term prognostic value for up to 7 years. Among patients with obstructive CAD, the presence of extensive non-calcified disease (> 3 coronary segments) is associated with increased cardiovascular risk for late events independently of the presence of obstructive CAD.

KEY POINTS

• Coronary CTA plaque-based scores are long-term prognostic markers in patients with stable CAD. • Besides obstructive CAD, the segment involvement score of non-calcified disease of 3 or more independently increased the risk of cardiovascular events.

Alteration of type I interferon response is associated with subclinical atherosclerosis in virologically suppressed HIV-1-infected male patients

Given human immunodeficiency virus‐1 (HIV‐1)‐infected patients have alterations in the type I interferon (IFN‐I) pathway and are also at elevated risk of atherosclerosis, we evaluated IFN‐I response and subclinical cardiovascular disease (CVD) association in HIV‐1‐infected patients. Transcript levels of IFN‐α/β and IFN‐stimulated gene 56 (ISG56) were evaluated by RT/real‐time PCR in peripheral blood mononuclear cells collected from asymptomatic HIV‐1‐positive male patients at high risk of developing CVD (n = 34) and healthy subjects (n = 21). Stenosis degree (≥ or <50%), calcium volume score, calcium Agatston score, and myocardial extracellular volume were examined by coronary computerized tomography scan. Carotid intima‐media thickness (cIMT), Framingham risk score, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) score, and risk score developed by data collection on adverse effects of anti‐HIV drugs (D:A:D) were also measured. Increased IFN‐α, IFN‐β, and ISG56 levels were observed in all HIV‐1‐infected males compared to healthy controls (p < .001 for all genes analyzed). HIV‐1‐infected patients with a stenosis degree ≥50% showed a higher Framingham risk score (p = .019), which was correlated with IFN‐β and ISG56 levels. HIV‐1‐infected males with enhanced IFN‐I levels and stenosis displayed a higher ASCVD calculated risk (p = .011) and D:A:D score (p = .004). Also, there was a trend toward higher IFN‐α and ISG56 mRNA levels in HIV‐1‐positive patients with an increased cIMT (p > .05). Dysregulation of IFN‐I response might participate in the pathogenesis of HIV‐1‐associated CVD.

Acute Kidney Injury After Repeated Exposure to Contrast Material for Coronary Angiography

Objective

To assess the incidence of contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CAAKI) after repeated exposure to contrast material for computed tomography (CT) and conventional coronary angiography within short intervals.

Methods

We studied 651 patients enrolled in the CorE-64 (November 5, 2005–January 30, 2007) and CORE320 (October 21, 2009–August 17, 2011) multicenter studies. Participants with suspected obstructive coronary heart disease were referred for diagnostic cardiac catheterization and underwent coronary CT angiography for research before invasive angiography. Nonionic, low-osmolality iodinated contrast material was used for all imaging.

Results

The median age of the patients was 62 years, and 190 (29%) were women. Major risk factors for acute kidney injury were present in 277 of 651 (43%) patients. The median interval between CT imaging and invasive angiography was 3.1 days (interquartile range, 0.9-8.0 days). The median volume of contrast material was 100 mL for each test. In 16 (2.5%) of 651 patients, CAAKI developed. Of these cases, 1 occurred after the CT scan, whereas 6 were documented after invasive angiography (compared with post-CT creatinine concentration assessment). In 9 patients, CAAKI was found in comparing creatinine concentration after completion of both tests with baseline values (but not compared with post-CT imaging).

Conclusion

Acute kidney injury after repeated exposure to iodinated contrast media within a few days is uncommon even in a population of patients with highly prevalent risk factors. Withholding of clinically indicated contrast-enhanced imaging may therefore not be justified in this setting.

Association between perivascular inflammation and downstream myocardial perfusion in patients with suspected coronary artery disease

Aims

To investigate the association between pericoronary adipose tissue (PCAT) computed tomography (CT) attenuation derived from coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) and coronary flow reserve (CFR) by positron emission tomography (PET) in patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods and results

PCAT CT attenuation was measured in proximal segments of all major epicardial coronary vessels of 105 patients with suspected CAD. We evaluated the relationship between PCAT CT attenuation and other quantitative/qualitative CT-derived anatomic parameters with CFR by PET. Overall, the mean age was 60 ± 12 years and 93% had intermediate pre-test probability of obstructive CAD. Obstructive CAD (≥50% stenosis) was detected in 37 (35.2%) patients and impaired CFR (&lt;2.0) in 32 (30.5%) patients. On a per-vessel analysis (315 vessels), obstructive CAD, non-calcified plaque volume, and PCAT CT attenuation were independently associated with CFR. In patients with coronary calcium score (CCS) &lt;100, those with high-PCAT CT attenuation presented significantly lower CFR values than those with low-PCAT CT attenuation (2.47 ± 0.95 vs. 3.13 ± 0.89, P = 0.003). Among those without obstructive CAD, CFR was significantly lower in patients with high-PCAT CT attenuation (2.51 ± 0.95 vs. 3.02 ± 0.84, P = 0.021).

Conclusion

Coronary perivascular inflammation by CTA was independently associated with downstream myocardial perfusion by PET. In patients with low CCS or without obstructive CAD, CFR was lower in the presence of higher perivascular inflammation. PCAT CT attenuation might help identifying myocardial ischaemia particularly among patients who are traditionally considered non-high risk for future cardiovascular events.

Myocardial Perfusion by Coronary Computed Tomography in the Evaluation of Myocardial Ischemia: Simultaneous Stress Protocol with SPECT

BACKGROUND

Functional assessment to rule out myocardial ischemia using coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is extremely important and data on the Brazilian population are still limited.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the diagnostic performance of myocardial perfusion by CCTA in the detection of severe obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) compared with single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT). To analyze the importance of anatomical knowledge to understand the presence of myocardial perfusion defects on SPECT imaging that is not identified on computed tomography (CT) scan.

METHOD

A total of 35 patients were evaluated by a simultaneous pharmacologic stress protocol. Fisher's exact test was used to compare proportions. The patients were grouped according to the presence or absence of significant CAD. The area under the ROC curve was used to identify the diagnostic performance of CCTA and SPECT in perfusion assessment. P < 0.05 values were considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

For detection of obstructive CAD, CT myocardial perfusion analysis yielded an area under the ROC curve of 0.84 [a 95% confidence interval (CI95%): 0.67-0.94, p < 0.001]. SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging, on the other hand, showed an AUC of 0.58 (95% CI 0.40 - 0.74, p < 0.001). In this study, false-positive results with SPECT are described.

CONCLUSION

Myocardial perfusion analysis by CTA displays satisfactory results compared to SPECT in the detection of obstructive CAD. CCTA can rule out false-positive results of SPECT.

A noninvasive and highly sensitive approach for the assessment of coronary collateral circulation by 192-slice third-generation dual-source computed tomography

The coronary collateral circulation (CCC) is an alternative source of blood supply when the original vessels fail to provide sufficient blood. The accurate detection of CCC is critical for the treatment of ischemic heart disease, especially when the stent surgery is not an option. The assessment of minute vessels such as coronary collateral arteries is challenging. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of detection and classification of CCC using the192-slice third-generation dual-source computed tomography angiography (192-slice DSCT CTA).Eight hundred patients (450 men and 350 women, mean age: 56 ± 11 years) with complete or subtotal occlusion of at least 1 major coronary artery were enrolled for our study. February 2016 and September 2018, the patient both 192-slice DSCT CTA and conventional coronary angiography (CAG) were performed in all enrolled patients. The interval between two approaches for a given patient was 6.1 ± 3.7 days (Range: 1-15). The diagnostic accuracy of 192-slice DSCT CTA was evaluated by comparing it with that of CAG. The identified CCC was graded according to the Rentrop classification.The prevalence among patients of having at least 1 CCC was 43.8%. The sensitivity for detecting CCC by 192-slice DSCT was 91.7% (95% CI: 88.3% to 94.3%), specificity was 95.5% (95% CI: 93.1% to 97.2%), positive predictive value was 94.3% (95% CI: 91.5% to 96.2%), and negative predictive value was 93.3% (95% CI: 90.9% to 95.3%). Cohen-Kappa analysis showed that the consistency of the correct classification of CCC using CAG and 192-slice DSCT was very high with the kappa coefficient (κ) of 0.94 (95% CI: 0.91-0.96, P value = .01). Additionally, the radiation dose for 192-slice DSCT was as low as 0.42 ± 0.04 mSv (range, 0.35-0.43 mSv).The 192-slice DSCT CTA is a reliable and sensitive non-invasive method for the evaluation of CCC with low radiation doses.

Impact of iterative reconstruction vs. filtered back projection on image quality in 320-slice CT coronary angiography: Insights from the CORE320 multicenter study

Iterative reconstruction has been shown to reduce image noise compared with traditional filtered back projection with quantum denoising software (FBP/QDS+) in CT imaging but few comparisons have been made in the same patients without the influence of interindividual factors. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of adaptive iterative dose reduction in 3-dimensional (AIDR 3D) and FBP/QDS+-based image reconstruction on image quality in the same patients.We randomly selected 100 patients enrolled in the coronary evaluation using 320-slice CT study who underwent CT coronary angiography using prospectively electrocardiogram triggered image acquisition with a 320-detector scanner. Both FBP/QDS+ and AIDR 3D reconstructions were performed using original data. Studies were blindly analyzed for image quality by measuring the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). Image quality was assessed qualitatively using a 4-point scale.Median age was 63 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 56-71) and 72% were men, median body mass index 27 (IQR: 24-30) and median calcium score 222 (IQR: 11-644). For all regions of interest, mean image noise was lower for AIDR 3D vs. FBP/QDS+ (31.69 vs. 34.37, P ≤ .001). SNR and CNR were significantly higher for AIDR 3D vs. FBP/QDS+ (16.28 vs. 14.64, P < .001 and 19.21 vs. 17.06, P < .001, respectively). Subjective (qualitative) image quality scores were better using AIDR 3D vs. FBP/QDS+ with means of 1.6 and 1.74, respectively (P ≤ .001).Assessed in the same individuals, iterative reconstruction decreased image noise and raised SNR/CNR as well as subjective image quality scores compared with traditional FBP/QDS+ in 320-slice CT coronary angiography at standard radiation doses.

Infarct characterization using CT

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a major cause of death and disability worldwide. The incidence is not expected to diminish, despite better prevention, diagnosis and treatment, because of the ageing population in industrialized countries and unhealthy lifestyles in developing countries. Nowadays it is highly requested an imaging tool able to evaluate MI and viability. Technology improvements determined an expansion of clinical indications from coronary plaque evaluation to functional applications (perfusion, ischemia and viability after MI) integrating additional phases and information in the mainstream examination. Cardiac computed tomography (CCT) and cardiac MR (CMR) employ different contrast media, but may characterize MI with overlapping imaging findings due to the similar kinetics and tissue distribution of gadolinium and iodinated contrast media. CCT may detect first-pass perfusion defects, dynamic perfusion after pharmacological stress, and delayed enhancement (DE) of non-viable territories.

Coronary CT Angiography: Variability of CT Scanners and Readers in Measurement of Plaque Volume

Purpose To determine reader and computed tomography (CT) scan variability for measurement of coronary plaque volume. Materials and Methods This HIPAA-compliant study followed Standards for Reporting of Diagnostic Accuracy guidelines. Baseline coronary CT angiography was performed in 40 prospectively enrolled subjects (mean age, 67 years ± 6 [standard deviation]) with asymptomatic hyperlipidemia by using a 320-detector row scanner (Aquilion One Vision; Toshiba, Otawara, Japan). Twenty of these subjects underwent coronary CT angiography repeated on a separate day with the same CT scanner (Toshiba, group 1); 20 subjects underwent repeat CT performed with a different CT scanner (Somatom Force; Siemens, Forchheim, Germany [group 2]). Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and Bland-Altman analysis were used to assess interreader, intrareader, and interstudy reproducibility. Results Baseline and repeat coronary CT angiography scans were acquired within 19 days ± 6. Interreader and intrareader agreement rates were high for total, calcified, and noncalcified plaques for both CT scanners (all ICCs ≥ 0.96) without bias. Scanner variability was ±18.4% (coefficient of variation) with same-vendor follow-up. However, scanner variability increased to ±29.9% with different-vendor follow-up. The sample size to detect a 5% change in noncalcified plaque volume with 90% power and an α error of .05 was 286 subjects for same-CT scanner follow-up and 753 subjects with different-vendor follow-up. Conclusion State-of-the-art coronary CT angiography with same-vendor follow-up has good scan-rescan reproducibility, suggesting a role of coronary CT angiography in monitoring coronary artery plaque response to therapy. Differences between coronary CT angiography vendors resulted in lower scan-rescan reproducibility. ^© RSNA, 2016 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

High-risk coronary plaque, invasive coronary procedures, and cardiac events among HIV-positive individuals and matched controls

BACKGROUND

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is considered a chronic, treatable disease, although treatment is associated with increased rates of coronary artery disease (CAD). We analyzed the utility of coronary CTA in the assessment of CAD among HIV patients and explored whether HIV patients are at greater risk of associated morbidity and mortality compared to HIV-negative controls.

METHODS

In a retrospective, single center cohort study 97 males without history of previous coronary artery disease who had undergone coronary CTA between 2011 and 2014 was analyzed, including 32 HIV positive patients and 65 matched HIV negative controls. Presence and composition of coronary plaque was determined by coronary CTA. Data on subsequent coronary events and coronary intervention was collected.

RESULTS

Patients with HIV had higher rates of non-calcified plaque (0.8 ± 1.5 versus 0.3 ± 0.7, p = 0.03) compared to negative controls. At a median follow-up of 38 months, patients with HIV were at greater risk of non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (16% versus 3%, p < 0.04), although there was no difference in the combined endpoint of all acute coronary syndromes (19% versus 6%, p = 0.08). Following baseline coronary TCA, there was a higher rate of coronary intervention in patients without HIV (mean time to event 9.9 ± 3.3 versus 20.6 ± 4.9 months, p < 0.04).

CONCLUSION

Patients with HIV more pronounces coronary atherosclerosis on coronary CTA and higher rates of non-ST elevation acute coronary syndromes compared to negative controls.

Accuracy of Computed Tomographic Angiography and Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography-Acquired Myocardial Perfusion Imaging for the Diagnosis of Coronary Artery Disease

BACKGROUND

Establishing the diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD) in symptomatic patients allows appropriately allocating preventative measures. Single-photon emission computed tomography (CT)-acquired myocardial perfusion imaging (SPECT-MPI) is frequently used for the evaluation of CAD, but coronary CT angiography (CTA) has emerged as a valid alternative.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We compared the accuracy of SPECT-MPI and CTA for the diagnosis of CAD in 391 symptomatic patients who were prospectively enrolled in a multicenter study after clinical referral for cardiac catheterization. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of CTA and SPECT-MPI for identifying patients with CAD defined as the presence of ≥1 coronary artery with ≥50% lumen stenosis by quantitative coronary angiography. Sensitivity to identify patients with CAD was greater for CTA than SPECT-MPI (0.92 versus 0.62, respectively; P<0.001), resulting in greater overall accuracy (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.91 [95% confidence interval, 0.88-0.94] versus 0.69 [0.64-0.74]; P<0.001). Results were similar in patients without previous history of CAD (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.92 [0.89-0.96] versus 0.67 [0.61-0.73]; P<0.001) and also for the secondary end points of ≥70% stenosis and multivessel disease, as well as subgroups, except for patients with a calcium score of ≥400 and those with high-risk anatomy in whom the overall accuracy was similar because CTA's superior sensitivity was offset by lower specificity in these settings. Radiation doses were 3.9 mSv for CTA and 9.8 for SPECT-MPI (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

CTA is more accurate than SPECT-MPI for the diagnosis of CAD as defined by conventional angiography and may be underused for this purpose in symptomatic patients.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00934037.

Acceptance of Combined Coronary CT Angiography and Myocardial CT Perfusion versus Conventional Coronary Angiography in Patients with Coronary Stents--Intraindividual Comparison

Objectives

To evaluate how well patients with coronary stents accept combined coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) and myocardial CT perfusion (CTP) compared with conventional coronary angiography (CCA).

Background

While combined CTA and CTP may improve diagnostic accuracy compared with CTA alone, patient acceptance of CTA/CTP remains to be defined.

Methods

A total of 90 patients with coronary stents prospectively underwent CTA/CTP (both with contrast agent, CTP with adenosine) and CCA as part of the CARS-320 study. In this group, an intraindividual comparison of patient acceptance of CTA, CTP, and CCA was performed.

Results

CTP was experienced to be significantly more painful than CTA (p<0.001) and was associated with a higher frequency of dyspnea (p<0.001). Comparison of CTA/CTP with CCA revealed no significant differences in terms of pain (p = 0.141) and comfort (p = 0.377). Concern before CTA/CTP and CCA and overall satisfaction were likewise not significantly different (p = 0.097 and p = 0.123, respectively). Nevertheless, about two thirds (n = 60, 68%) preferred CTA/CTP to CCA (p<0.001). Moreover, patients felt less helpless during CTA/CTP than during CCA (p = 0.026). Lack of invasiveness and absence of pain were the most frequently mentioned advantages of CTA/CTP over CCA in our patient population.

Conclusions

CCA and combined CTA/CTP are equally well accepted by patients; however, more patients prefer CTA/CTP. CTP was associated with more intense pain than CTA and more frequently caused dyspnea than CTA alone.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00967876

Coronary Plaque Burden at Coronary CT Angiography in Asymptomatic Men and Women

Purpose To assess the relationship between total, calcified, and noncalcified coronary plaque burdens throughout the entire coronary vasculature at coronary computed tomographic (CT) angiography in relationship to cardiovascular risk factors in asymptomatic individuals with low-to-moderate risk. Materials and Methods This HIPAA-compliant study had institutional review board approval, and written informed consent was obtained. Two hundred two subjects were recruited to an ongoing prospective study designed to evaluate the effect of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors on atherosclerosis. Eligible subjects were asymptomatic individuals older than 55 years who were eligible for statin therapy. Coronary CT angiography was performed by using a 320-detector row scanner. Coronary wall thickness and plaque were evaluated in all epicardial coronary arteries greater than 2 mm in diameter. Images were analyzed by using dedicated software involving an adaptive lumen attenuation algorithm. Total plaque index (calcified plus noncalcified plaque) was defined as plaque volume divided by vessel length. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to determine the relationship between risk factors and plaque indexes. Results The mean age of the subjects was 65.5 years ± 6.9 (standard deviation) (36% women), and the median coronary artery calcium (CAC) score was 73 (interquartile range, 1-434). The total coronary plaque index was higher in men than in women (42.06 mm(2) ± 9.22 vs 34.33 mm(2) ± 8.35; P < .001). In multivariable analysis controlling for all risk factors, total plaque index remained higher in men than in women (by 5.01 mm(2); P = .03) and in those with higher simvastatin doses (by 0.44 mm(2)/10 mg simvastatin dose equivalent; P = .02). Noncalcified plaque index was positively correlated with systolic blood pressure (β = 0.80 mm(2)/10 mm Hg; P = .03), diabetes (β = 4.47 mm(2); P = .03), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol level (β = 0.04 mm(2)/mg/dL; P = .02); the association with LDL cholesterol level remained significant (P = .02) after additional adjustment for the CAC score. Conclusion LDL cholesterol level, systolic blood pressure, and diabetes were associated with noncalcified plaque burden at coronary CT angiography in asymptomatic individuals with low-to-moderate risk. (©) RSNA, 2015 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

Comparison between MDCT and Grayscale IVUS in a Quantitative Analysis of Coronary Lumen in Segments with or without Atherosclerotic Plaques

Background

The diagnostic accuracy of 64-slice MDCT in comparison with IVUS has been poorly described and is mainly restricted to reports analyzing segments with documented atherosclerotic plaques.

Objectives

We compared 64-slice multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) with gray scale intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) for the evaluation of coronary lumen dimensions in the context of a comprehensive analysis, including segments with absent or mild disease.

Methods

The 64-slice MDCT was performed within 72 h before the IVUS imaging, which was obtained for at least one coronary, regardless of the presence of luminal stenosis at angiography. A total of 21 patients were included, with 70 imaged vessels (total length 114.6 ± 38.3 mm per patient). A coronary plaque was diagnosed in segments with plaque burden > 40%.

Results

At patient, vessel, and segment levels, average lumen area, minimal lumen area, and minimal lumen diameter were highly correlated between IVUS and 64-slice MDCT (p < 0.01). However, 64-slice MDCT tended to underestimate the lumen size with a relatively wide dispersion of the differences. The comparison between 64-slice MDCT and IVUS lumen measurements was not substantially affected by the presence or absence of an underlying plaque. In addition, 64-slice MDCT showed good global accuracy for the detection of IVUS parameters associated with flow-limiting lesions.

Conclusions

In a comprehensive, multi-territory, and whole-artery analysis, the assessment of coronary lumen by 64-slice MDCT compared with coronary IVUS showed a good overall diagnostic ability, regardless of the presence or absence of underlying atherosclerotic plaques.

Lack of association between epicardial fat volume and extent of coronary artery calcification, severity of coronary artery disease, or presence of myocardial perfusion abnormalities in a diverse, symptomatic patient population: results from the CORE320 multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Epicardial fat may play a role in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD). We explored the relationship of epicardial fat volume (EFV) with the presence and severity of CAD or myocardial perfusion abnormalities in a diverse, symptomatic patient population.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Patients (n=380) with known or suspected CAD who underwent 320-detector row computed tomographic angiography, nuclear stress perfusion imaging, and clinically driven invasive coronary angiography for the CORE320 international study were included. EFV was defined as adipose tissue within the pericardial borders as assessed by computed tomography using semiautomatic software. We used linear and logistic regression models to assess the relationship of EFV with coronary calcium score, stenosis severity by quantitative coronary angiography, and myocardial perfusion abnormalities by single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Median EFV among patients (median age, 62.6 years) was 102 cm(3) (interquartile range: 53). A coronary calcium score of ≥1 was present in 83% of patients. Fifty-nine percent of patients had ≥1 coronary artery stenosis of ≥50% by quantitative coronary angiography, and 49% had abnormal myocardial perfusion results by SPECT. There were no significant associations between EFV and coronary artery calcium scanning, presence severity of ≥50% stenosis by quantitative coronary angiography, or abnormal myocardial perfusion by SPECT.

CONCLUSIONS

In a diverse population of symptomatic patients referred for invasive coronary angiography, we did not find associations of EFV with the presence and severity of CAD or with myocardial perfusion abnormalities. The clinical significance of quantifying EFV remains uncertain but may relate to the pathophysiology of acute coronary events rather than the presence of atherosclerotic disease.

Multi-Detector Coronary CT Imaging for the Identification of Coronary Artery Stenoses in a "Real-World" Population

BACKGROUND

Multi-detector computed tomography (CT) has emerged as a modality for the non-invasive assessment of coronary artery disease (CAD). Prior studies have selected patients for evaluation and have excluded many of the “real-world” patients commonly encountered in daily practice. We compared 64-detector-CT (64-CT) to conventional coronary angiography (CA) to investigate the accuracy of 64-CT in determining significant coronary stenoses in a “real-world” clinical population.

METHODS

A total of 1,818 consecutive patients referred for 64-CT were evaluated. CT angiography was performed using the GE LightSpeed VCT (GE^® Healthcare). Forty-one patients in whom 64-CT results prompted CA investigation were further evaluated, and results of the two diagnostic modalities were compared.

RESULTS

A total of 164 coronary arteries and 410 coronary segments were evaluated in 41 patients (30 men, 11 women, age 39–85 years) who were identified by 64-CT to have significant coronary stenoses and who thereafter underwent CA. The overall per-vessel sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy at the 50% stenosis level were 86%, 84%, 65%, 95%, and 85%, respectively, and 77%, 93%, 61%, 97%, and 91%, respectively, in the per-segment analysis at the 50% stenosis level.

CONCLUSION

64-CT is an accurate imaging tool that allows a non-invasive assessment of significant CAD with a high diagnostic accuracy in a “real-world” population of patients. The sensitivity and specificity that we noted are not as high as those in prior reports, but we evaluated a population of patients that is typically encountered in clinical practice and therefore see more “real-world” results.

Tissue characterization of the myocardium: state of the art characterization by magnetic resonance and computed tomography imaging

Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) is a simple, robust, well-validated method for assessing scar in acute and chronic myocardial infarction. LGE is useful for distinguishing between ischemic and nonischemic cardiomyopathy. Specific LGE patterns are seen in nonischemic cardiomyopathy. Patient studies using T1 mapping have varied in study, design, and acquisition sequences. Despite the differences in technique, a clear pattern that has been seen is that in cardiac disease postcontrast T1 times are shorter. Extracellular volume fraction measured with cardiac computed tomography represents a new approach to the clinical assessment of diffuse myocardial fibrosis by evaluating the distribution of iodinated contrast.

Assessment of atherosclerosis in chronic granulomatous disease

BACKGROUND

Patients with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) experience immunodeficiency because of defects in the phagocyte NADPH oxidase and the concomitant reduction in reactive oxygen intermediates. This may result in a reduction in atherosclerotic injury.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We prospectively assessed the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, biomarkers of inflammation and neutrophil activation, and the presence of magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography quantified subclinical atherosclerosis in the carotid and coronary arteries of 41 patients with CGD and 25 healthy controls in the same age range. Univariable and multivariable associations among risk factors, inflammatory markers, and atherosclerosis burden were assessed. Patients with CGD had significant elevations in traditional risk factors and inflammatory markers compared with control subjects, including hypertension, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, oxidized low-density lipoprotein, and low high-density lipoprotein. Despite this, patients with CGD had a 22% lower internal carotid artery wall volume compared with control subjects (361.3±76.4 mm(3) versus 463.5±104.7 mm(3); P<0.001). This difference was comparable in p47(phox)- and gp91(phox)-deficient subtypes of CGD and independent of risk factors in multivariate regression analysis. In contrast, the prevalence of coronary arterial calcification was similar between patients with CGD and control subjects (14.6%, CGD; 6.3%, controls; P=0.39).

CONCLUSIONS

The observation by magnetic resonance imaging and computerized tomography of reduced carotid but not coronary artery atherosclerosis in patients with CGD despite the high prevalence of traditional risk factors raises questions about the role of NADPH oxidase in the pathogenesis of clinically significant atherosclerosis. Additional high-resolution studies in multiple vascular beds are required to address the therapeutic potential of NADPH oxidase inhibition in cardiovascular diseases.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION URL

http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01063309.

Accuracy of multidetector computed tomography for detection of coronary artery stenosis in acute coronary syndrome compared with stable coronary disease: a CORE64 multicenter trial substudy

BACKGROUND

Multi-detector computed tomography angiography (MDCTA) is a promising method for risk assessment of patients with acute chest pain. However, its diagnostic performance in higher-risk patients has not been investigated in a large international multicenter trial. Therefore, in the present study we sought to estimate the diagnostic accuracy of MDCTA to detect significant coronary stenosis in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

METHODS

Patients included in the CORE64 study were categorized as suspected-ACS or non-ACS based on clinical data. A 64-row coronary MDCTA was performed before invasive coronary angiography (ICA) and both exams were evaluated by blinded, independent core laboratories.

RESULTS

From 371 patients included, 94 were categorized as suspected ACS and 277 as non-ACS. Patient-based analysis showed an area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve (AUC) for detecting ≥ 50% coronary stenosis of 0.95 (95% CI: 0.88-0.98) in ACS and 0.92 (95% CI: 0.88-0.95) in non-ACS group (P=0.29). The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of MDCTA were 0.90(0.80-0.96), 0.88(0.70-0.98), 0.95(0.87-0.99) and 0.77(0.58-0.90) in suspected ACS patients and 0.87(0.81-0.92), 0.86(0.79-0.92), 0.91(0.85-0.95) and 0.82(0.74-0.89) in non-ACS patients (P NS for all comparisons). The mean calcium scores (CS) were 282 ± 449 in suspected ACS and 435 ± 668 in non-ACS group. The accuracy of CS to detect significant coronary stenosis was only moderate and the absence or minimal coronary artery calcification could not exclude the presence of significant coronary stenosis, particularly in ACS patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The diagnostic accuracy of MDCTA to detect significant coronary stenosis is high and comparable for both ACS and non-ACS patients.

Nuclear stress perfusion imaging versus computed tomography coronary angiography for identifying patients with obstructive coronary artery disease as defined by conventional angiography: insights from the CorE-64 multicenter study

We investigated the diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography angiography (CTA) versus myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) for detecting obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) as defined by conventional quantitative coronary angiography (QCA). Sixty-three patients who were enrolled in the CorE-64 multicenter study underwent CTA, MPI, and QCA imaging. All subjects were referred for cardiac catheterization with suspected or known coronary artery disease. The diagnostic accuracy of quantitative CTA and MPI for identifying patients with 50% or greater coronary arterial stenosis by QCA was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Pre-defined subgroups were patients with known CAD and those with a calcium score of 400 or over. Diagnostic accuracy by ROC analysis revealed greater area under the curve (AUC) for CTA than MPI for all 63 patients: 0.95 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.89-0.100] vs 0.65 (95%CI: 0.53-0.77), respectively (P<0.01). Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were 0.93, 0.95, 0.97, 0.88, respectively, for CTA and 0.85, 0.45, 0.74, 0.63, respectively, for MPI. In 48 patients without known CAD, AUC was 0.96 for CTA and to 0.67 for SPECT (P<0.01). There was no significant difference in AUC for CTA in patients with calcium score below 400 versus over 400 (0.93 vs 0.95), but AUC was different for SPECT (0.61 vs 0.95; P<0.01). In a direct comparison, CTA is markedly superior to MPI for detecting obstructive coronary artery disease in patients. Even in subgroups traditionally more challenging for CTA, SPECT does not offer similarly good diagnostic accuracy. CTA may be considered the non-invasive test of choice if diagnosis of obstructive CAD is the purpose of imaging.

Myocardial CT perfusion imaging and SPECT for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease: a head-to-head comparison from the CORE320 multicenter diagnostic performance study

PURPOSE

To compare the diagnostic performance of myocardial computed tomographic (CT) perfusion imaging and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) perfusion imaging in the diagnosis of anatomically significant coronary artery disease (CAD) as depicted at invasive coronary angiography.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was approved by the institutional review board. Written informed consent was obtained from all patients. Sixteen centers enrolled 381 patients from November 2009 to July 2011. Patients underwent rest and adenosine stress CT perfusion imaging and rest and either exercise or pharmacologic stress SPECT before and within 60 days of coronary angiography. Images from CT perfusion imaging, SPECT, and coronary angiography were interpreted at blinded, independent core laboratories. The primary diagnostic parameter was the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (Az). Sensitivity and specificity were calculated with use of prespecified cutoffs. The reference standard was a stenosis of at least 50% at coronary angiography as determined with quantitative methods.

RESULTS

CAD was diagnosed in 229 of the 381 patients (60%). The per-patient sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of CAD (stenosis ≥50%) were 88% (202 of 229 patients) and 55% (83 of 152 patients), respectively, for CT perfusion imaging and 62% (143 of 229 patients) and 67% (102 of 152 patients) for SPECT, with Az values of 0.78 (95% confidence interval: 0.74, 0.82) and 0.69 (95% confidence interval: 0.64, 0.74) (P = .001). The sensitivity of CT perfusion imaging for single- and multivessel CAD was higher than that of SPECT, with sensitivities for left main, three-vessel, two-vessel, and one-vessel disease of 92%, 92%, 89%, and 83%, respectively, for CT perfusion imaging and 75%, 79%, 68%, and 41%, respectively, for SPECT.

CONCLUSION

The overall performance of myocardial CT perfusion imaging in the diagnosis of anatomic CAD (stenosis ≥50%), as demonstrated with the Az, was higher than that of SPECT and was driven in part by the higher sensitivity for left main and multivessel disease.

Coronary artery plaque volume and obesity in patients with diabetes: the factor-64 study

PURPOSE

To determine the relationship between coronary plaque detected with coronary computed tomographic (CT) angiography and clinical parameters and cardiovascular risk factors in asymptomatic patients with diabetes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All patients signed institutional review board-approved informed consent forms before enrollment. Two hundred twenty-four asymptomatic diabetic patients (121 men; mean patient age, 61.8 years; mean duration of diabetes, 10.4 years) underwent coronary CT angiography. Total coronary artery wall volume in all three vessels was measured by using semiautomated software. The coronary plaque volume index (PVI) was determined by dividing the wall volume by the coronary length. The relationship between the PVI and cardiovascular risk factors was determined with multivariable analysis.

RESULTS

The mean PVI (±standard deviation) was 11.2 mm(2) ± 2.7. The mean coronary artery calcium (CAC) score (determined with the Agatston method) was 382; 67% of total plaque was noncalcified. The PVI was related to age (standardized β = 0.32, P < .001), male sex (standardized β = 0.36, P < .001), body mass index (BMI) (standardized β = 0.26, P < .001), and duration of diabetes (standardized β = 0.14, P = .03). A greater percentage of soft plaque was present in younger individuals with a shorter disease duration (P = .02). The soft plaque percentage was directly related to BMI (P = .002). Patients with discrepancies between CAC score and PVI rank quartiles had a higher percentage of soft and fibrous plaque (18.7% ± 3.3 vs 17.4% ± 3.5 [P = .008] and 52.2% ± 7.2 vs 47.2% ± 8.8 [P < .0001], respectively).

CONCLUSION

In asymptomatic diabetic patients, BMI was the primary modifiable risk factor that was associated with total and soft coronary plaque as assessed with coronary CT angiography.

Quantitative Computed Tomographic Coronary Angiography

Background—

Coronary lesions with a diameter narrowing ≥50% on visual computed tomographic coronary angiography (CTCA) are generally considered for referral to invasive coronary angiography. However, similar to invasive coronary angiography, visual CTCA is often inaccurate in detecting functionally significant coronary lesions. We sought to compare the diagnostic performance of quantitative CTCA with visual CTCA for the detection of functionally significant coronary lesions using fractional flow reserve (FFR) as the reference standard.

Methods and Results—

CTCA and FFR measurements were obtained in 99 symptomatic patients. In total, 144 coronary lesions detected on CTCA were visually graded for stenosis severity. Quantitative CTCA measurements included lesion length, minimal area diameter, % area stenosis, minimal lumen diameter, % diameter stenosis, and plaque burden [(vessel area−lumen area)/vessel area×100]. Optimal cutoff values of CTCA-derived parameters were determined, and their diagnostic accuracy for the detection of flow-limiting coronary lesions (FFR ≤0.80) was compared with visual CTCA. FFR was ≤0.80 in 54 of 144 (38%) coronary lesions. Optimal cutoff values to predict flow-limiting coronary lesion were 10 mm for lesion length, 1.8 mm 2 for minimal area diameter, 73% for % area stenosis, 1.5 mm for minimal lumen diameter, 48% for % diameter stenosis, and 76% for plaque burden. No significant difference in sensitivity was found between visual CTCA and quantitative CTCA parameters ( P >0.05). The specificity of visual CTCA (42%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 31%–54%) was lower than that of minimal area diameter (68%; 95% CI, 57%–77%; P =0.001), % area stenosis (76%; 95% CI, 65%–84%; P <0.001), minimal lumen diameter (67%; 95% CI, 55%–76%; P =0.001), % diameter stenosis (72%; 95% CI, 62%–80%; P <0.001), and plaque burden (63%; 95% CI, 52%–73%; P =0.004). The specificity of lesion length was comparable with that of visual CTCA.

Conclusions—

Quantitative CTCA improves the prediction of functionally significant coronary lesions compared with visual CTCA assessment but remains insufficient. Functional assessment is still required in lesions of moderate stenosis to accurately detect impaired FFR.

Predictors of inaccurate coronary arterial stenosis assessment by CT angiography

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to investigate the clinical and imaging characteristics associated with diagnostic inaccuracy of computed tomography angiography (CTA) for detecting obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) defined by quantitative coronary angiography (QCA).

BACKGROUND

Although diagnostic performance metrics of CTA have been reported, there are sparse data on predictors of diagnostic inaccuracy by CTA.

METHODS

The clinical characteristics of 291 patients (mean age: 59 ± 10 years; female: 25.8%) enrolled in the multicenter CorE-64 (Coronary Artery Evaluation Using 64-Row Multi-detector Computed Tomography Angiography) study were examined. Pre-defined CTA segment-level characteristics of all true-positive (N = 237), false-positive (N = 115), false-negative (FN) (N = 159), and a random subset of true-negative segments (N = 511) for ≥50% stenosis with QCA as the reference standard were blindly abstracted in a central core laboratory. Factors independently associated with corresponding levels of CTA diagnostic inaccuracies on a patient level and coronary artery segment level were determined using multivariable logistic regression models and generalized estimating equations, respectively.

RESULTS

An Agatston calcium score of ≥1 per patient (odds ratio [OR]: 5.2; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1 to 24.6) and the presence of within-segment calcification (OR: 10.2; 95% CI: 5.2 to 19.8) predicted false-positive diagnoses. Conversely, absence of within-segment calcification was an independent predictor of an FN diagnosis (OR: 2.0; 95% CI: 1.2 to 3.5). Prior percutaneous revascularization was independently associated with patient-level misdiagnosis of obstructive CAD (OR: 4.2; 95% CI: 1.6 to 11.2). Specific segment characteristics on CTA, notably segment tortuosity (OR: 3.5; 95% CI: 2.4 to 5.1), smaller luminal caliber (OR: 0.48; 95% CI: 0.36 to 0.63 per 1-mm increment), and juxta-arterial vein conspicuity (OR: 2.1; 95% CI: 1.4 to 3.2), were independently associated with segment-level misdiagnoses. Attaining greater intraluminal contrast enhancement independently lowered the risk of an FN diagnosis (OR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.94 to 0.99 per 10-Hounsfield unit increment).

CONCLUSIONS

We identified clinical and readily discernible imaging characteristics on CTA predicting inaccurate CTA diagnosis of obstructive CAD defined by QCA. Knowledge and appropriate considerations of these features may improve the diagnostic accuracy in clinical CTA interpretation. (Diagnostic Accuracy of Multi-Detector Spiral Computed Tomography Angiography Using 64 Detectors [CORE-64]; NCT00738218).

Accuracy and predictive value of coronary computed tomography angiography for the detection of obstructive coronary heart disease in patients with an Agatston calcium score above 400

PURPOSE

We assessed the accuracy of coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) in patients with an Agatston calcium score (ACS) of greater than 400 by comparing it with invasive coronary angiography (ICA), and we evaluated the predictive value of CTA for obstructive coronary heart disease (CHD) compared with traditional clinical risk assessment.

METHODS

A total of 253 patients who had an ACS of greater than 400 were enrolled in this study. The degree of coronary stenosis was visually and quantitatively estimated by postprocessing imaging using 15-segment coronary models. All patients underwent ICA after a mean (SD) of 34 (24) days, and the degree of coronary stenosis was compared with the results of CTA.

RESULTS

Computed tomography angiography accurately diagnosed significant stenosis in 204 (99.0%) of 206 patients and in 649 (83.5%) of 777 segments. When the patients were considered based on their ACS (group A, 400 < ACS ≤ 1000, vs group B, ACS > 1000), group B showed lower specificity (9.1% vs 41.7%) and poorer agreement (k = 0.149 vs 0.495) than for ICA. By segment-based analysis, the agreement between CTA and ICA was good (k = 0.729), and there was no significant difference between groups A (k = 0.728) and B (k = 0.727). Computed tomography angiography was the most powerful predictor (odds ratio = 52.645, P < 0.001), whereas the 10-year CHD risk and pretest probability were not significantly correlated with obstructive CHD.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite good overall diagnostic accuracy, coronary CTA in this group of patients was limited by low specificity. However, CTA was a better predictor of obstructive CHD compared with clinical predictors, and it avoided unnecessary ICA, even in patients with extensive coronary artery calcification.

Rationale and design of the ViCTORY (Validation of an Intracycle CT Motion CORrection Algorithm for Diagnostic AccuracY) trial

BACKGROUND

Coronary CT angiography (CTA) has emerged as an effective noninvasive method for direct visualization of the coronary arteries, with high diagnostic performance compared with invasive coronary angiography (ICA). However, coronary CTA is prone to artifacts, including coronary motion, which may reduce its diagnostic performance. Intracycle motion compensation algorithms (MCAs) from a combination of software and hardware techniques now allow for correction of coronary motion, but the diagnostic performance of MCAs compared with traditional coronary CTA reconstruction methods remains unexplored.

METHODS

ViCTORY (Validation of an Intracycle CT Motion CORrection Algorithm for Diagnostic AccuracY) is a prospective international multicenter trial of 218 patients which is designed to evaluate the performance of MCAs for the diagnosis of anatomically obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) compared with an ICA reference standard, on a per-patient, per-vessel, and per-segment basis. Patients enrolled into ViCTORY will undergo investigational coronary CTA and clinically indicated ICA and will not receive heart rate-lowering medications before coronary CTA. Coronary CTA images will be reconstructed by conventional standard methods as well as by MCAs. Blinded core laboratory interpretation will be performed for coronary CTA and ICA in an intent-to-diagnose fashion.

RESULTS

The primary end point of ViCTORY is the per-patient diagnostic accuracy of MCAs for the diagnosis of anatomically obstructive CAD compared with ICA. Secondary end points will include other per-patient, per-vessel, and per-segment diagnostic performance characteristics, including accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value. Other key secondary end points will include diagnostic interpretability, image quality, the upper heart rate threshold of utility of MCAs, and the additive value of MCAs to traditionally reconstructed coronary CTA.

CONCLUSION

ViCTORY will determine whether MCAs improve the diagnosis of obstructive CAD in patients undergoing coronary CTA who are not receiving heart rate-lowering medications.

Patterns of coronary arterial lesion calcification by a novel, cross-sectional CT angiographic assessment

To investigate the patterns and diagnostic implications of coronary arterial lesion calcification by CT angiography (CTA) using a novel, cross-sectional grading method, we studied 371 patients enrolled in the CorE-64 study who underwent CTA and invasive angiography for detecting coronary artery stenoses by quantitative coronary angiography (QCA). The number of quadrants involving calcium on a cross-sectional view for ≥ 30 and ≥ 50 % lesions in 4,511 arterial segments was assessed by CTA according to: noncalcified, mild (one-quadrant), moderate (two-quadrant), severe (three-quadrant) and very severe (four-quadrant calcium). Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were used to evaluate CTA diagnostic accuracy and agreement versus. QCA for plaque types. Only 4 % of ≥ 50 % stenoses by QCA were very severely calcified while 43 % were noncalcified. AUC for CTA to detect ≥ 50 % stenoses by QCA for non-calcified, mildly, moderately, severely, and very severely calcified plaques were 0.90, 0.88, 0.83, 0.76 and 0.89, respectively (P < 0.05). In 198 lesions with severe calcification, the presence or absence of a visible residual lumen by CTA was associated with ≥ 50 % stenosis by QCA in 20.3 and 76.9 %, respectively. Kappa was 0.93 for interobserver variability in evaluating plaque calcification. We conclude that calcification of individual coronary artery lesions can be reliably graded using CTA. Most ≥ 50 % coronary artery stenoses are not or only mildly calcified. If no residual lumen is seen on CTA, calcified lesions are predictive of ≥ 50 % stenoses and vice versa. CTA diagnostic accuracy for detecting ≥ 50 % stenoses is reduced in lesions with more than mild calcification due to lower specificity.

Optimizing contrast medium injection protocol individually with body weight for high-pitch prospective ECG-triggering coronary CT angiography

To individually optimize contrast medium protocol for high-pitch prospective ECG-triggering coronary CT angiography using body weight. Ninety patients undergoing high-pitch coronary CT angiography were randomly assigned to 3 contrast medium injection protocols with bolus tracking technique: Group A, 0.7 ml CM per kg patient weight (ml/kg); Group B, 0.6 ml/kg; Group C, 0.5 ml/kg. Each group had 30 patients. The CT values of superior vena cava (SVC), pulmonary artery (PA), ascending aorta (AA), left atrium (LA), left ventricle (LV), left main artery (LM) and proximal segment of right coronary artery (RCA) were measured. The image quality of coronary artery was evaluated on per-segment basis using a 4-point scale (1-excellent, 4-non-diagnosis). The CT value was not significantly different on AA (p = 0.735), LM (p = 0.764), and proximal segment of RCA (p = 0.991). The CT value was significantly different on SVC, PA, LA and LV (all p < 0.05). The mean image quality score was 1.6 ± 0.1, 1.6 ± 0.1 and 1.6 ± 0.1 (p = 0.217). The volume of CM was 47 ± 8, 44 ± 8 and 36 ± 6 ml for 3 groups (p < 0.001). The effective radiation dose was 0.88 ± 0.04, 0.87 ± 0.06, and 0.85 ± 0.07 mSv for 3 groups. Contrast medium could be reduced to 0.5 ml/kg for high-pitch coronary CT angiography without compromising diagnostic image quality, which associated ~50 % reduction of total contrast volume compared with standard contrast protocol with test bolus technique.

Quantitative coronary arterial stenosis assessment by multidetector CT and invasive coronary angiography for identifying patients with myocardial perfusion abnormalities

BACKGROUND

Semi-quantitative stenosis assessment by coronary CT angiography only modestly predicts stress-induced myocardial perfusion abnormalities. The performance of quantitative CT angiography (QCTA) for identifying patients with myocardial perfusion defects remains unclear.

METHODS

CorE-64 is a multicenter, international study to assess the accuracy of 64-slice QCTA for detecting ≥50% coronary arterial stenoses by quantitative coronary angiography (QCA). Patients referred for cardiac catheterization with suspected or known coronary artery disease were enrolled. Area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the most severe coronary artery stenosis in a subset of 63 patients assessed by QCTA and QCA for detecting myocardial perfusion abnormalities on exercise or pharmacologic stress SPECT.

RESULTS

Diagnostic accuracy of QCTA for identifying patients with myocardial perfusion abnormalities by SPECT revealed an AUC of 0.71, compared to 0.72 by QCA (P = .75). AUC did not improve after excluding studies with fixed myocardial perfusion abnormalities and total coronary arterial occlusions. Optimal stenosis threshold for QCTA was 43% yielding a sensitivity of 0.81 and specificity of 0.50, respectively, compared to 0.75 and 0.69 by QCA at a threshold of 59%. Sensitivity and specificity of QCTA to identify patients with both obstructive lesions and myocardial perfusion defects were 0.94 and 0.77, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Coronary artery stenosis assessment by QCTA or QCA only modestly predicts the presence and the absence of myocardial perfusion abnormalities by SPECT. Confounding variables affecting the relationship between coronary anatomy and myocardial perfusion likely account for some of the observed discrepancies between coronary angiography and SPECT results.

Aligning coronary anatomy and myocardial perfusion territories: an algorithm for the CORE320 multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Appropriate clinical decisions concerning diagnosis and treatment of coronary artery disease rely on correct integration of data on coronary anatomy and myocardial perfusion. The purpose of this article is to introduce a new left ventricular segmentation model for improved alignment of coronary arterial segments and myocardial perfusion territories, designed for the CORE320 study.

METHODS AND RESULTS

CORE320 is a prospective, multicenter study with a primary objective to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of 320-row detector computed tomography (CT) to detect coronary artery luminal stenosis and corresponding myocardial perfusion deficits in patients with suspected coronary artery disease compared with the gold standard of conventional coronary angiography and single-photon emission CT myocardial perfusion imaging. We describe a 19-coronary segment and 13-myocardial territory alignment model, its application in both standard and CT image data sets, and the adjudication process of the initial cohort of patients recruited for the CORE320 study. Adjudication committees reviewed the images of the first 101 gold standard and 107 CT data sets. On the basis of the presented model and rules, all cases for adjudication were correctly identified. During image review, 6 (5.9%) gold standard and 9 (8.4%) CT data sets needed further realignment not triggered by the algorithm.

CONCLUSIONS

We present a vascular territory distribution model developed for the CORE320 multicenter study, which accounts for variability in coronary anatomy and potential myocardial perfusion territory overlap.

Head-to-head comparison of left ventricular function assessment with 64-row computed tomography, biplane left cineventriculography, and both 2- and 3-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography: comparison with magnetic resonance imaging as the reference standard

OBJECTIVES

This study was designed to compare the accuracy of 64-row contrast computed tomography (CT), invasive cineventriculography (CVG), 2-dimensional echocardiography (2D Echo), and 3-dimensional echocardiography (3D Echo) for left ventricular (LV) function assessment with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

BACKGROUND

Cardiac function is an important determinant of therapy and is a major predictor for long-term survival in patients with coronary artery disease. A number of methods are available for assessment of function, but there are limited data on the comparison between these multiple methods in the same patients.

METHODS

A total of 36 patients prospectively underwent 64-row CT, CVG, 2D Echo, 3D Echo, and MRI (as the reference standard). Global and regional LV wall motion and ejection fraction (EF) were measured. In addition, assessment of interobserver agreement was performed.

RESULTS

For the global EF, Bland-Altman analysis showed significantly higher agreement between CT and MRI (p < 0.005, 95% confidence interval: ±14.2%) than for CVG (±20.2%) and 3D Echo (±21.2%). Only CVG (59.5 ± 13.9%, p = 0.03) significantly overestimated EF in comparison with MRI (55.6 ± 16.0%). CT showed significantly better agreement for stroke volume than 2D Echo, 3D Echo, and CVG. In comparison with MRI, CVG-but not CT-significantly overestimated the end-diastolic volume (p < 0.001), whereas 2D Echo and 3D Echo significantly underestimated the EDV (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in diagnostic accuracy (range: 76% to 88%) for regional LV function assessment between the 4 methods when compared with MRI. Interobserver agreement for EF showed high intraclass correlation for 64-row CT, MRI, 2D Echo, and 3D Echo (intraclass correlation coefficient >0.8), whereas agreement was lower for CVG (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.58).

CONCLUSIONS

64-row CT may be more accurate than CVG, 2D Echo, and 3D Echo in comparison with MRI as the reference standard for assessment of global LV function.

DNA double-strand breaks as potential indicators for the biological effects of ionising radiation exposure from cardiac CT and conventional coronary angiography: a randomised, controlled study

OBJECTIVES

To prospectively compare induced DNA double-strand breaks by cardiac computed tomography (CT) and conventional coronary angiography (CCA).

METHODS

56 patients with suspected coronary artery disease were randomised to undergo either CCA or cardiac CT. DNA double-strand breaks were assessed in fluorescence microscopy of blood lymphocytes as indicators of the biological effects of radiation exposure. Radiation doses were estimated using dose-length product (DLP) and dose-area product (DAP) with conversion factors for CT and CCA, respectively.

RESULTS

On average there were 0.12 ± 0.06 induced double-strand breaks per lymphocyte for CT and 0.29 ± 0.18 for diagnostic CCA (P < 0.001). This relative biological effect of ionising radiation from CCA was 1.9 times higher (P < 0.001) than the effective dose estimated by conversion factors would have suggested. The correlation between the biological effects and the estimated radiation doses was excellent for CT (r = 0.951, P < 0.001) and moderate to good for CCA (r = 0.862, P < 0.001). One day after radiation, a complete repair of double-strand breaks to background levels was found in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Conversion factors may underestimate the relative biological effects of ionising radiation from CCA. DNA double-strand break assessment may provide a strategy for individualised assessments of radiation.

KEY POINTS

• Radiation dose causes concern for both conventional coronary angiography and cardiac CT. • Estimations of the biological effects of ionising radiation may become feasible. • Fewer DNA double-strand breaks are induced by cardiac CT than CCA. • Conversion factors may underestimate the relative effects of ionising radiation from CCA.

Clinical indications for cardiac computed tomography. From the Working Group of the Cardiac Radiology Section of the Italian Society of Medical Radiology (SIRM)

Cardiac computed tomography (CCT) has grown as a useful means in different clinical contexts. Technological development has progressively extended the indications for CCT while reducing the required radiation dose. Even today there is little documentation from the main international scientific societies describing the proper use and clinical indications of CCT; in particular, there are no complete guidelines. This document reflects the position of the Working Group of the Cardiac Radiology Section of the Italian Society of Radiology concerning the indications for CCT.

Computed tomography myocardial perfusion imaging with 320-row detector computed tomography accurately detects myocardial ischemia in patients with obstructive coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND

Computed tomography coronary angiography (CTA) has been shown to be accurate in detecting anatomic coronary arterial obstruction, but is limited for the detection of myocardial ischemia. The primary aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of 320-row computed tomography perfusion imaging (CTP) to detect atherosclerosis causing myocardial ischemia.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Fifty symptomatic patients with recent single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) underwent a comprehensive cardiac computed tomography (CT) protocol that included 320-CTA, followed by adenosine stress CTP. CTP images were analyzed quantitatively for the presence of subendocardial perfusion deficits. All analyses were blinded to imaging and clinical results. CTA alone was a limited predictor of myocardial ischemia compared with SPECT, with a sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of 56%, 75%, 56%, and 75%, and the area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.65 (95% CI, 0.51-0.78, P=0.07). CTP was a better predictor of myocardial ischemia, with a sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of 72%, 91%, 81%, and 85%, with an AUC of 0.81 (95% CI, 0.68-0.91, P<0.001), and was an excellent predictor of myocardial ischemia on SPECT-MPI in the presence of stenosis (≥50% on CTA), with a sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of 100%, 81%, 50%, and 100%, with an AUC of 0.92 (95% CI, 0.80-0.97, P<0.001). The radiation dose for the comprehensive cardiac CT protocol and SPECT were 13.8±2.9 and 13.1±1.7; respectively (P=0.15).

CONCLUSIONS

Computed tomography perfusion imaging with rest and adenosine stress 320-row CT is accurate in detecting obstructive atherosclerosis causing myocardial ischemia.

Diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography coronary angiography according to pre-test probability of coronary artery disease and severity of coronary arterial calcification. The CORE-64 (Coronary Artery Evaluation Using 64-Row Multidetector Computed Tomography Angiography) International Multicenter Study

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of patient population characteristics on accuracy by computed tomography angiography (CTA) to detect obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD).

BACKGROUND

The ability of CTA to exclude obstructive CAD in patients of different pre-test probabilities and in presence of coronary calcification remains uncertain.

METHODS

For the CORE-64 (Coronary Artery Evaluation Using 64-Row Multidetector Computed Tomography Angiography) study, 371 patients underwent CTA and cardiac catheterization for the detection of obstructive CAD, defined as ≥50% luminal stenosis by quantitative coronary angiography (QCA). This analysis includes 80 initially excluded patients with a calcium score ≥600. Area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to evaluate CTA diagnostic accuracy compared to QCA in patients according to calcium score and pre-test probability of CAD.

RESULTS

Analysis of patient-based quantitative CTA accuracy revealed an AUC of 0.93 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.90 to 0.95). The AUC remained 0.93 (95% CI: 0.90 to 0.96) after excluding patients with known CAD but decreased to 0.81 (95% CI: 0.71 to 0.89) in patients with calcium score ≥600 (p = 0.077). While AUCs were similar (0.93, 0.92, and 0.93, respectively) for patients with intermediate, high pre-test probability for CAD, and known CAD, negative predictive values were different: 0.90, 0.83, and 0.50, respectively. Negative predictive values decreased from 0.93 to 0.75 for patients with calcium score <100 or ≥100, respectively (p = 0.053).

CONCLUSIONS

Both pre-test probability for CAD and coronary calcium scoring should be considered before using CTA for excluding obstructive CAD. For that purpose, CTA is less effective in patients with calcium score ≥600 and in patients with a high pre-test probability for obstructive CAD.

Diagnostic performance of combined noninvasive coronary angiography and myocardial perfusion imaging using 320-MDCT: the CT angiography and perfusion methods of the CORE320 multicenter multinational diagnostic study

OBJECTIVE

Coronary MDCT angiography has been shown to be an accurate noninvasive tool for the diagnosis of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). Its sensitivity and negative predictive value for diagnosing percentage of stenosis are unsurpassed compared with those of other noninvasive testing methods. However, in its current form, it provides no information regarding the physiologic impact of CAD and is a poor predictor of myocardial ischemia. CORE320 is a multicenter multinational diagnostic study with the primary objective to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of 320-MDCT for detecting coronary artery luminal stenosis and corresponding myocardial perfusion deficits in patients with suspected CAD compared with the reference standard of conventional coronary angiography and SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging.

CONCLUSION

We aim to describe the CT acquisition, reconstruction, and analysis methods of the CORE320 study.