Prospectively gated axial CT coronary angiography: preliminary experiences with a novel low-dose technique

Reduction of radiation dose for coronary computed tomography angiography using prospective electrocardiography-triggered high-pitch acquisition in clinical routine

Purpose

To evaluate the image quality, radiation exposure, and means of application in a group of patients who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) performed with low-dose prospective electrocardiography (ECG)-triggered acquisition in which a standard sequence was added if the low-dose sequence did not allow reliable exclusion of coronary stenosis with respect to image quality.

Material and methods

The present study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Medicine, and informed consent was obtained from all patients. The authors performed a retrospective review of 256 consecutive patients referred for CCTA using dual-source CT scanner (Definition FLASH, Siemens, Germany). CCTA was performed using prospective ECG-triggered high-pitch acquisition. In patients with higher heart rates (> 65 bpm) or in whom irregular heart rates were noted prior to the scan, a subsequent CCTA was performed immediately (double flash protocol). The effective radiation dose was calculated for each patient. All images were evaluated by two independent observers for quality on a four-point scale with 1 being non-diagnostic image quality and 4 being excellent.

Results

Mean effective whole-body dose of CCTA was 1.6 ± 0.4 mSv (range, 0.4-5.4) for the entire cardiac examination and 0.9 ± 0.3 mSv (range, 0.4-2.8) for individual prospective ECG-triggered high-pitch CCTAs. In 27 of these patients with higher heart rates or occasional premature ventricular contractions or atrial fibrillation, subsequent CCTAs were performed immediately. The average image quality score was good to excellent with less than 1% unevaluable coronary segments. The double flash protocol resulted in a fully diagnostic CCTA in all cases.

Conclusions

The prospective ECG-triggered high-pitch CCTA technique is feasible and promising in clinical routine with good to excellent image quality and minimal radiation dose. The double flash protocol might become a more robust tool in patients with higher heart rates or arrhythmia.

Diagnostic accuracy of 256-row multidetector CT coronary angiography with prospective ECG-gating combined with fourth-generation iterative reconstruction algorithm in the assessment of coronary artery bypass: evaluation of dose reduction and image quality

BACKGROUND

Effective radiation dose in coronary CT angiography (CTCA) for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) evaluation is remarkably high because of long scan lengths. Prospective electrocardiographic gating with iterative reconstruction can reduce effective radiation dose.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of low-kV CT angiography protocol with prospective ecg-gating technique and iterative reconstruction (IR) algorithm in follow-up of CABG patients compared with standard retrospective protocol.

METHODS

Seventy-four non-obese patients with known coronary disease treated with artery bypass grafting were prospectively enrolled. All the patients underwent 256 MDCT (Brilliance iCT, Philips) CTCA using low-dose protocol (100 kV; 800 mAs; rotation time: 0.275 s) combined with prospective ECG-triggering acquisition and fourth-generation IR technique (iDose4; Philips); all the lengths of the bypass graft were included in the evaluation. A control group of 42 similar patients was evaluated with a standard retrospective ECG-gated CTCA (100 kV; 800 mAs).On both CT examinations, ROIs were placed to calculate standard deviation of pixel values and intra-vessel density. Diagnostic quality was also evaluated using a 4-point quality scale.

RESULTS

Despite the statistically significant reduction of radiation dose evaluated with DLP (study group mean DLP: 274 mGy cm; control group mean DLP: 1224 mGy cm; P value < 0.001). No statistical differences were found between PGA group and RGH group regarding intra-vessel density absolute values and SNR. Qualitative analysis, evaluated by two radiologists in "double blind", did not reveal any significant difference in diagnostic quality of the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The development of high-speed MDCT scans combined with modern IR allows an accurate evaluation of CABG with prospective ECG-gating protocols in a single breath hold, obtaining a significant reduction in radiation dose.

Image quality and radiation dose of dual-source CT cardiac angiography using prospective ECG-triggering technique in pediatric patients with congenital heart disease

Background

All studies involving use of ionizing radiation should be performed in accordance with the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle, especially in children. In this study, the prospective ECG triggering technique with low voltage was used in dual-source computed tomography (DSCT) angiography to investigate if image quality with low radiation dose could be satisfactory in pediatric patients with congenital heart disease.

Methods

Sixty pediatric patients with suspected congenital cardiovascular anomalies were enrolled prospectively in the study. They were randomly assigned to two groups for DSCT angiography. Group A were scanned by prospective ECG-triggering computed tomography angiography (CTA) with 80 kV tube voltage, while group B by used non-ECG-gated CTA with the same tube voltage. The anomaly accuracy was evaluated based on the surgical and/or conventional cardiac angiography findings. The overall image quality was assessed on a five-point scale. And the diagnostic accuracy and radiation dose was evaluated in both groups.

Results

There were 127 cardiovascular anomalies in Group A and 108 in Group B. The mean subjective image quality and diagnostic accuracy between these two groups were significantly different (P = 0.007 and 0.011, respectively). The mean effective dose in Group A and Group B was 0.38 ± 0.13 mSv and 0.35 ± 0.17 mSv, respectively. But there was no significant difference between two groups (P = 0.197).

Conclusions

The prospective ECG triggering technique in DSCT scan can offer better image quality and diagnostic accuracy with low radiation exposure in pediatric patients with congenital heart diseases. This technique has potential to become a new clinical routine in pediatric cardiac computed tomography (CT) imaging.

Image quality evaluation of iterative model reconstruction on low tube voltage (80 kVp) coronary CT angiography in an animal study

BACKGROUND

Iterative model reconstruction (IMR) is a newer generation iterative reconstruction method, but its value on coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography requires investigation.

PURPOSE

To evaluate coronary image quality using IMR at a low-tube voltage of 80 kVp on coronary CT angiography in miniature pigs.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Five healthy miniature pigs underwent prospective electrocardiogram-gated coronary 256-slice CT angiography at 120 kVp and 80 kVp tube voltages, respectively. Filtered back projection (FBP) was used to reconstruct the 120 kVp standard-dose (SD) image sets (SD-FBP group), while iDose(4) and IMR were used to reconstruct the 80 kVp low-dose (LD) image sets (LD-iDose(4) and LD-IMR groups). Objective and subjective image qualities were compared among three groups.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in mean CT values of the ascending aorta, left main coronary artery, and right coronary artery between the LD-IMR and LD-iDose(4) groups (P > 0.05), but the values were significantly lower in the SD-FBP group than in those two groups (P < 0.05). The image noise in the LD-IMR group (21.5 ± 3.9 HU) was significantly lower than in the LD-iDose(4) (63.7 ± 9.8 HU) and SD-FBP (50.6 ± 4.6 HU) groups (P < 0.05). The signal-to-noise and contrast-to-noise ratios were significantly higher in the LD-IMR group than in the LD-iDose(4) and SD-FBP groups, respectively (P < 0.05). Subjective scoring of image noise, streak artifacts, and overall image quality indicated that the LD-IMR group was consistently superior to the LD-iDose(4) and SD-FBP groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

IMR can significantly improve image quality at a low-tube voltage (80 kVp) with a 66% radiation dose reduction on coronary 256-slice CT angiography in miniature pigs.

Prospectively ECG-Triggered Sequential Dual-Source Coronary CT Angiography in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: Influence of Heart Rate on Image Quality and Evaluation of Diagnostic Accuracy

Objectives

To evaluate the effects of mean heart rate (HR) and heart rate variation (HRV) on image quality and diagnostic accuracy of prospectively ECG-triggered sequential dual-source coronary CT angiography (CCTA) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods

Eighty-five patients (49 women, 36 men; mean age 62.1±9.5 years) with persistent AF underwent prospectively ECG-triggered sequential second-generation dual-source CCTA. Tube current and voltage were adjusted according to body mass index (BMI) and iterative reconstruction was used. Image quality of coronary segments (four-point scale) and presence of significant stenosis (>50%) were evaluated. Diagnostic accuracy was analyzed in 30 of the 85 patients who underwent additional invasive coronary angiography (ICA).

Results

Only 8 of 1102 (0.7%) segments demonstrated poor image quality. No significant impact on image quality was found for mean HR (94.9±21.8 bpm; r=0.034, p=0.758; F=0.413, p=0.663) or HRV (67.5±22.8 bpm; r=0.097, p=0.377; F=0.111, p=0.895). On per-segment analysis, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were 89.7% (26/29), 99.4% (355/357), 92.9% (26/28), and 99.2% (355/358), respectively, with excellent correlation (kappa=0.91) with ICA. Mean effective dose was 3.3±1.0 mSv.

Conclusions

Prospectively ECG-triggered sequential dual-source CCTA provides diagnostic image quality and good diagnostic accuracy for detection of coronary stenosis in AF patients without significant influence by HR or HRV.

A knowledge-based iterative model reconstruction algorithm: can super-low-dose cardiac CT be applicable in clinical settings?

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

To investigate whether "full" iterative reconstruction, a knowledge-based iterative model reconstruction (IMR), enables radiation dose reduction by 80% at cardiac computed tomography (CT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 23 patients (15 men, eight women; mean age 64.3 ± 13.4 years) who underwent retrospectively electrocardiography-gated cardiac CT with dose modulation were evaluated. We compared full-dose (FD; 730 mAs) images reconstructed with filtered back projection (FBP) technique and the low-dose (LD; 146 mAs) images reconstructed with FBP and IMR techniques. Objective and subjective image quality parameters were compared among the three different CT images.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in the CT attenuation among the three reconstructions. The mean image noise of LD-IMR (18.3 ± 10.6 Hounsfield units [HU]) was significantly lowest among the three reconstructions (41.9 ± 15.3 HU for FD-FBP and 109.9 ± 42.6 HU for LD-FBP; P < .01). The contrast-to-noise ratio of LD-IMR was better than that of FD-FBP and LD-FBP (P < .01). Visual evaluation score was also highest for LD-IMR.

CONCLUSIONS

The IMR can provide improved image quality at super-low-dose cardiac CT with 20% of the standard tube current.

Accuracy of high-pitch prospectively ECG-triggering CT coronary angiography for assessment of stenosis in 103 patients: comparison with invasive coronary angiography

AIM

To investigate the accuracy of high-pitch prospectively electrocardiogram (ECG)-triggering low-dose, dual-source computed tomography (CT) coronary angiography for assessing coronary artery stenosis compared with conventional coronary angiography.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred and three patients undergoing high-pitch CT coronary angiography (CTCA) and conventional coronary angiography (CCA) within 30 days were enrolled. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of high-pitch CTCA for detecting >50 and >70% stenosis were evaluated using CCA as the reference standard on a per-segment, per-vessel, and per-patient basis. Two experienced radiologists independently rated high-pitch CTCA images for quality using a four-point scale (1 = excellent, 4 = non-diagnostic) on a per-segment basis. The effective dose was calculated by multiplying the conversion coefficient of 0.028 by the dose-length product.

RESULTS

The mean heart rate of patients was 57 ± 6 beats/min. For detecting >50% stenosis, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of high-pitch CTCA were 89, 97, 87, and 97% on a per-segment basis; 91, 92, 92, and 91% on a per-vessel basis; and 99, 85, 96, and 94% on a per-patient basis. For detecting >70% stenosis, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of high-pitch CTCA were 96, 98, 90, and 99% on a per-segment basis. Coronary segments were rated as diagnostic in 98.6% (1355/1375) of cases (score 1, 72.5%; score 2, 23.1%; score 3, 3%; score 4, 1.4%). The effective dose of high-pitch CTCA was 1.51 ± 0.31 mSv.

CONCLUSION

High-pitch prospectively ECG-triggering dual-source CTCA provides good image quality and high diagnostic accuracy with a 1.51 mSv radiation dose.

Patient radiation doses in cardiac computed tomography: comparison of published results with prospective and retrospective acquisition

Prospective ECG triggering has the potential of reducing radiation exposure while maintaining diagnostic accuracy of cardiac computed tomography (CT). The aim of this study is to review patient radiation doses associated with coronary artery calcium scoring (CACS) and CT coronary angiography (CTCA) and to compare results between prospective and retrospective acquisition schemes. Patient radiation doses from CACS and CTCA were extracted from 67 relevant studies. Mean effective dose for CACS and CTCA with prospective ECG triggering is significantly lower than retrospective acquisition, 0.9±0.4 vs. 3.1±1.4 mSv, p < 0.001, and 3.4±1.4 vs. 11.1±5.4 mSv, p < 0.001, respectively. In both cardiac CT examinations, application of dose modulation techniques result in significantly lower doses in retrospective schemes, however, even with dose modulation, retrospective acquisition is associated with significantly higher doses than prospective acquisition. The number of slices acquired per rotation and the number of X-ray sources of the CT scanner (single or dual source) do not have a significant effect on patient dose.

Effect of hybrid iterative reconstruction technique on quantitative and qualitative image analysis at 256-slice prospective gating cardiac CT

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effect of hybrid iterative reconstruction on qualitative and quantitative parameters at 256-slice cardiac CT.

METHODS

Prospective cardiac CT images from 20 patients were analysed. Paired image sets were created using 3 reconstructions, i.e. filtered back projection (FBP) and moderate- and high-level iterative reconstructions. Quantitative parameters including CT-attenuation, noise, and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were determined in both proximal- and distal coronary segments. Image quality was graded on a 4-point scale.

RESULTS

Coronary CT attenuation values were similar for FBP, moderate- and high-level iterative reconstruction at 293 ± 74-, 290 ± 75-, and 283 ± 78 Hounsfield units (HU), respectively. CNR was significantly higher with moderate- and high-level iterative reconstructions (10.9 ± 3.5 and 18.4 ± 6.2, respectively) than FBP (8.2 ± 2.5) as was the visual grading of proximal vessels. Visualisation of distal vessels was better with high-level iterative reconstruction than FBP. The mean number of assessable segments among 289 segments was 245, 260, and 267 for FBP, moderate- and high-level iterative reconstruction, respectively; the difference between FBP and high-level iterative reconstruction was significant. Interobserver agreement was significantly higher for moderate- and high-level iterative reconstruction than FBP.

CONCLUSIONS

Cardiac CT using hybrid iterative reconstruction yields higher CNR and better image quality than FBP.

KEY POINTS

• Cardiac CT helps clinicians to assess patients with coronary artery disease • Hybrid iterative reconstruction provides improved cardiac CT image quality • Hybrid iterative reconstruction improves the number of assessable coronary segments • Hybrid iterative reconstruction improves interobserver agreement on cardiac CT.

Coronary computed tomography angiography in coronary artery disease

AIM

To investigate the research directions of coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD) based on a systematic review of the literature.

METHODS

A search of articles on coronary CT angiography in the diagnosis of CAD was performed during a 6-year-period between 2005 and 2010 from five main radiology journals namely, Radiology, American Journal of Roentgenology, European Radiology, European Journal of Radiology and British Journal of Radiology. Analysis of the references was focused on the research directions of coronary CT angiography with regard to the type of studies in terms of diagnostic value, application of dose-reduction strategies and resultant effective radiation doses with use of these techniques.

RESULTS

One hundred and forty two studies were identified which met the selection criteria and were included in the analysis. 64-slice CT (single source and dual-source CT) dominated 78% of the coronary CT angiography studies. Prior to 2007, research was focused on the diagnostic value of coronary CT angiography, but since 2008 more attention has been paid to radiation dose reduction. Radiation dose was reported in 64 studies, representing 45% of total studies published in the five radiology journals. Various dose-saving strategies have been implemented and prospective electrocardiography-triggering and high pitch techniques were found to be the most effective approaches for radiation dose reduction, with the corresponding mean effective dose being 3.5 ± 1.9 mSv and 1.7 ± 0.6 mSv, respectively.

CONCLUSION

This review shows that the current research in coronary CT angiography has shifted from the previous focus on diagnostic accuracy in CAD to more emphasis on radiation dose reduction.

Detection of coronary artery stenoses by low-dose, prospectively ECG-triggered, high-pitch spiral coronary CT angiography

OBJECTIVES

We sought to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of a new prospectively electrocardiogram (ECG)-triggered high-pitch scan mode for coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA), which allows an effective dose of less than 1 mSv.

BACKGROUND

Coronary CTA provides increasingly reliable image quality, but the associated radiation exposure can be high.

METHODS

Seventy-five patients with suspected coronary artery disease and in sinus rhythm were screened for participation. After exclusion of 25 patients for body weight >100 kg or failure to lower heart rate to ≤ 60 beats/min, 50 patients were studied by prospectively ECG-triggered high-pitch spiral computed tomography (CT). Coronary CTA was performed using a dual-source CT system with 2 × 128 × 0.6-mm collimation, 0.28-s rotation time, a pitch of 3.4, 100-kVp tube voltage, and current of 320 mA. Data acquisition was prospectively triggered at 60% of the R-R interval and completed within 1 cardiac cycle. Diagnostic accuracy for detection of coronary artery stenoses ≥ 50% diameter stenosis was determined by comparison to invasive coronary angiography. Per-patient diagnostic performance was the primary form of analysis.

RESULTS

In all 50 patients (34 males, 59 ± 12 years of age), imaging was successful. For the detection of 16 patients with at least 1 coronary artery stenosis, CT demonstrated a sensitivity of 100% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 79% to 100%) and specificity of 82% (95% CI: 65% to 93%). The positive predictive value was 72% (95% CI: 49% to 89%) and the negative predictive value was 100% (95% CI: 87% to 100%). Sensitivity was 100% (95% CI: 88% to 100%) and specificity was 94% (95% CI: 89% to 97%) on a per-vessel basis. Per-segment sensitivity was 92% (95% CI: 80% to 97%), and specificity was 98% (95% CI: 96% to 98%). Mean dose-length product for coronary CTA was 54 ± 6 mGy · cm, the effective dose was 0.76 ± 0.08 mSv (0.64 to 0.95 mSv).

CONCLUSIONS

In nonobese patients with a low and stable heart rate, prospectively ECG-triggered high-pitch spiral coronary CTA provides high diagnostic accuracy for the detection of coronary artery stenoses.

A low tube voltage technique reduces the radiation dose at retrospective ECG-gated cardiac computed tomography for anatomical and functional analyses

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

To investigate the effect of low-tube-voltage technique on a cardiac computed tomography (CT) for coronary arterial and cardiac functional analyses and radiation dose in slim patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We enrolled 80 patients (52women, 28 men; mean age, 68.7 ± 8.9 years) undergoing retrospective electrocardiogram-gated 64-slice cardiac CT. Forty were subjected to the low (80-kV) and 40 to the standard (120-kV) tube-voltage protocol. Quantitative parameters of the coronary arteries (ie, CT attenuation, image noise, and the contrast-to-noise ratio [CNR]) were calculated, as were the effective radiation dose and the figure of merit (FOM). Each coronary artery segment was visually evaluated using a 5-point scale. Cardiac function calculated by using low-tube-voltage cardiac CT was compared with that on echocardiographs.

RESULTS

CT attenuation and image noise were significantly higher at 80- than 120-kV (P < .01). CNR of the left and right coronary artery was 18.4 ± 3.8 and 18.5 ± 3.3, respectively, at 80 kV; these values were 19.7 ± 2.7 and 19.8 ± 2.8 at 120 kV; the difference was not significant. The estimated effective radiation dose was significantly lower at 80 than 120 kV (6.3 ± 0.6 vs. 13.9 ± 1.1 mSv, P < .01) and FOM was significantly higher at 80 than 120 kV (P < .01). At visual assessment, 99% of the coronary segments were diagnostic quality; the two protocols did not differ significantly. We observed a strong correlation and good agreement between low-tube-voltage cardiac CT and echocardiography for cardiac functional analyses.

CONCLUSION

Low-tube-voltage cardiac CT significantly reduced the radiation dose by approximately 55% in slim patients while maintaining anatomical image quality and accuracy of cardiac functional analysis.

Evaluation of image quality and radiation dose at prospective ECG-triggered axial 256-slice multi-detector CT in infants with congenital heart disease

BACKGROUND

There are a limited number of reports on the technical and clinical feasibility of prospective electrocardiogram (ECG)-gated multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) in infants with congenital heart disease (CHD).

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate image quality and radiation dose at weight-based low-dose prospectively gated 256-slice MDCT angiography in infants with CHD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From November 2009 to February 2010, 64 consecutive infants with CHD referred for pre-operative or post-operative CT were included. All were scanned on a 256-slice MDCT system utilizing a low-dose protocol (80 kVp and 60-120 mAs depending on weight: 60 mAs for ≤ 3 kg, 80 mAs for 3.1-6 kg, 100 mAs for 6.1-10 kg, 120 mAs for 10.1-15 kg).

RESULTS

No serious adverse events were recorded. A total of 174 cardiac deformities, confirmed by surgery or heart catheterization, were studied. The sensitivity of MDCT for cardiac deformities was 97.1%; specificity, 99.4%; accuracy, 95.9%. The mean heart rate during scan was 136.7 ± 14.9/min (range, 91-160) with a corresponding heart rate variability of 2.8 ± 2.2/min (range, 0-8). Mean scan length was 115.3 ± 11.7 mm (range, 93.6-143.3). Mean volume CT dose index, mean dose-length product and effective dose were 2.1 ± 0.4 mGy (range, 1.5-2.8), 24.7 ± 5.9 mGy·cm (range, 14.7-35.8) and 1.6 ± 0.3 mSv (range, 1.1-2.5), respectively. Diagnostic-quality images were achieved in all cases. Satisfactory diagnostic quality for visualization of all/proximal/distal coronary artery segments was achieved in 88.4/98.8/80.0% of the scans.

CONCLUSION

Low-dose prospectively gated axial 256-slice CT angiography is a valuable tool in the routine clinical evaluation of infants with CHD, providing a comprehensive three-dimensional evaluation of the cardiac anatomy, including the coronary arteries.

Step and shoot coronary CT angiography using 256-slice CT: effect of heart rate and heart rate variability on image quality

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of heart rate variability (HRV) and heart rate (HR) on intra-image "motion" and inter-image "stairstep" artefacts in step-and-shoot coronary CT angiography (CCTA) using a wide detector CT scanner.

METHODS

66 patients underwent step-and-shoot CCTA using 256-slice CT. Patients were divided into two groups (Group 1: HR <65 bpm, Group 2 ≥65bpm). Motion artefacts were quantified using a 5-point-scale. Stairstep artefacts were defined by measurements of misalignment. Image noise, contrast-to-noise-ratio (CNR), signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR), and radiation dose were assessed.

RESULTS

Mean HR was 66 ± 16.7 bpm (range: 45-125 bpm) and mean HRV was 10.7 ± 17.5 bpm. A significant correlation between HR and stairstep artefacts (r = 0.46, p < 0.001) and motion artefacts (r = 0.63, p < 0.001) was found. Group 2 showed significantly increased step artefacts with a mean misalignment of 1.4 mm compared to 0.4 mm in Group 1 (p < 0.001). There was no significant effect of HRV on stairstep artefacts (r = 0.15, p = 0.416) and motion artefacts (r = 0.13, p = 0.311). No significant differences in image noise, CNR, SNR, and radiation dose were seen.

CONCLUSIONS

Unlike CCTA using narrow CT detectors, HRV has no significant effect on motion and stairstep artefacts using a wide CT detector with high z-coverage. However, a higher HR still increases stairstep and motion artefacts.

A review of patient dose and optimisation methods in adult and paediatric CT scanning

An increasing number of publications and international reports on computed tomography (CT) have addressed important issues on optimised imaging practice and patient dose. This is partially due to recent technological developments as well as to the striking rise in the number of CT scans being requested. CT imaging has extended its role to newer applications, such as cardiac CT, CT colonography, angiography and urology. The proportion of paediatric patients undergoing CT scans has also increased. The published scientific literature was reviewed to collect information regarding effective dose levels during the most common CT examinations in adults and paediatrics. Large dose variations were observed (up to 32-fold) with some individual sites exceeding the recommended dose reference levels, indicating a large potential to reduce dose. Current estimates on radiation-related cancer risks are alarming. CT doses account for about 70% of collective dose in the UK and are amongst the highest in diagnostic radiology, however the majority of physicians underestimate the risk, demonstrating a decreased level of awareness. Exposure parameters are not always adjusted appropriately to the clinical question or to patient size, especially for children. Dose reduction techniques, such as tube-current modulation, low-tube voltage protocols, prospective echocardiography-triggered coronary angiography and iterative reconstruction algorithms can substantially decrease doses. An overview of optimisation studies is provided. The justification principle is discussed along with tools that assist clinicians in the decision-making process. There is the potential to eliminate clinically non-indicated CT scans by replacing them with alternative examinations especially for children or patients receiving multiple CT scans.

Prospective versus retrospective ECG-gated 64-detector coronary CT angiography for evaluation of coronary artery bypass graft patency: comparison of image quality, radiation dose and diagnostic accuracy

We aimed to evaluate image quality, radiation dose and diagnostic accuracy of coronary CT angiography (CCTA) with a prospectively gated transverse-axial scan (PGT) compared with a retrospectively gated helical scan (RGH), using a 64-slice scanner in patients who underwent coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). Of the 131 consecutive patients that underwent CABG using 64-slice multidetector row computed tomography during 2008, patients with heart rate (HR) of <75 beats/minute (bpm), and HR variation <10 bpm were included in the study. PGT was performed on 39 patients with 93 grafts, with RGH performed on 43 patients with 102 grafts. Image quality (1: excellent-4: poor) and estimated radiation dose were compared between the two groups. Of these, a total of 64 segments in 26 patients were subjected to invasive coronary angiography (ICA) for clinical reasons. Diagnostic accuracy of CCTA for evaluation of graft was performed between the two groups with ICA as a reference standard in terms of significant stenosis (≥ 50% of luminal stenosis). The image quality was not statistically different in the two groups. Mean effective radiation dose was 6.5 mSv in PGT-group, which was significantly lower than that in the RGH-group (21.2 mSv; P < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in diagnostic accuracy between the two groups (PGT-group versus RGH-group; 93.1% versus 91.4%). PGT can achieve dose reductions of up to 70% compared to RGH while maintaining image quality and high diagnostic accuracy in patients undergoing CABG.

CT coronary angiography: 256-slice and 320-detector row scanners

Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) has rapidly evolved from 4-detector row systems in 1998 to 256-slice and 320-detector row CT systems. With smaller detector element size and faster gantry rotation speed, spatial and temporal resolution of the 64-detector MDCT scanners have made coronary artery imaging a reliable clinical test. Wide-area coverage MDCT, such as the 256-slice and 320-detector row MDCT scanners, has enabled volumetric imaging of the entire heart free of stair-step artifacts at a single time point within one cardiac cycle. It is hoped that these improvements will be realized with greater diagnostic accuracy of CT coronary angiography. Such scanners hold promise in performing a rapid high quality "triple rule-out" test without high contrast load, improved myocardial perfusion imaging, and even four-dimensional CT subtraction angiography. These emerging technical advances and novel applications will continue to change the way we study coronary artery disease beyond detecting luminal stenosis.

Radiation dose threshold for coronary artery calcium score with MDCT: how low can you go?

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the lowest radiation exposure threshold at which coronary calcium scoring (CCS) remains accurate.

METHODS

A prospective study of 43 consecutive eligible patients referred for CCS underwent imaging in accordance with the manufacturer's recommended protocol. Dedicated software was used to generate 8 series of images simulating tube currents ranging from 20 to 300 mA. These images were randomised and read in blinded fashion to determine the lowest tube current at which the CCS remained accurate. The minimum mA was correlated with 6 different patients' biometric parameters: bodyweight, body mass index, AP and lateral thoracic diameters, average thoracic diameter and the scout attenuation coefficient (SAC). The 95% confidence interval for each parameter was used to calculate tube current threshold levels and hence stratified CCS protocols were derived.

RESULTS

Spearman's correlation coefficients of the minimum tube current for the 6 parameters were: 0.66, 0.63, 0.65, 0.74, 0.77 and 0.86 respectively (p < 0.001). SAC offered the largest potential reduction in mean effective dose from 1.86 mSv to 0.88 mSv.

CONCLUSION

CCS with at least 50% reduction in radiation exposure and below 1 mSv is feasible if CT scout projections are utilised effectively.

Comparison of diagnostic accuracy and radiation dose between prospective triggering and retrospective gated coronary angiography by dual-source computed tomography

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the diagnostic accuracy and radiation dose of dual-source computed tomographic (DSCT) coronary angiography for assessment of coronary artery disease using prospective electrocardiographic triggering and retrospective electrocardiographically (ECG) gated spiral scans. One hundred sixteen patients who had undergone dual-source computed tomography and conventional coronary angiography were enrolled in this study. Fifty-four patients were scanned using retrospective ECG-gated protocols (group 1) and 62 patients using prospective ECG-triggered protocols (group 2). Diagnostic accuracy, image quality, and effective dose were compared between groups 1 and 2. Conventional coronary angiography was used as the reference standard. In total 1,709 (98.2%) coronary segments in the 116 patients were assessable with adequate image quality. Sensitivities and specificities of diagnosing coronary heart disease (≥50% stenosis) in a patient-based analysis of DSCT data were 93.3% and 88.9% in group 1 and 96.4% and 85.7% in group 2, respectively (p=0.973 and 0.761). In vessel-based analysis, sensitivities and specificities were 77.4% and 94.1% in group 1 and 79.6% and 92.3% in group 2 (p=0.983 and 0.985). Overall averaged image quality scores (using 1- to 4-point scale) in groups 1 and 2 were 3.3 ± 0.4 and 3.5 ± 0.9, respectively (p=0.268). Prevalence of good (score 3.0) and excellent (score 4.0) image qualities of coronary vessels were 95.4% in group 1 and 92.4% in group 2 (p = 0.861). Effective doses were 8.82 ± 3.50 mSv (range 3.92 to 15.36) in group 1 and 2.95 ± 1.39 mSv (range 0.99 to 6.06) in group 2 (p<0.001). In conclusion, DSCT prospective ECG-triggered coronary angiography has equivalent image quality and diagnostic value compared to that of retrospective ECG-gated scans. Radiation dose was significantly decreased using prospective electrocardiographic triggering.

Low-dose adaptive sequential scan for dual-source CT coronary angiography in patients with high heart rate: comparison with retrospective ECG gating

PURPOSE

To explore feasibility of dual-source CT (DS-CT) prospective ECG-gated coronary angiography in patients with heart rate (HR) higher than 70beat per minute (bpm), and evaluate image quality and radiation dose with comparison to retrospective ECG-gated spiral scan.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred patients who underwent DS-CT coronary angiography (DS-CTCA) with mean HR higher than 70bpm but below 110bpm were enrolled in the study, 50 were scanned by adaptive sequential scan and another 50 were analyzed by retrospectively gated CT scan. The imaging quality of coronary artery segments in the two groups was evaluated using a four-point grading scale by two independent reviewers. Patient radiation dose was calculated by multiplying dose length product by conversion coefficient of 0.017.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between the two groups for mean HR (p=0.305), HR variability (p=0.103), body mass index (p=0.472), and scan length (p=0.208). There was good agreement for image quality scoring between the two reviewers (Kappa=0.72). Coronary evaluability of adaptive sequential scan was 99.7% (608 of 610 segments), while that of retrospective gated scan was 98.7% (614 of 622 segments), showing similar coronary evaluability (p=0.061). Effective doses of adaptive sequential scan and retrospective gated scan were 5.1±1.6 and 11.8±4.5mSv, respectively (p<0.001), showing that adaptive sequential scan reduced radiation dose by 57% compared with that of retrospective gated scan.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with 70-110bpm HR, DS-CTCA adaptive sequential scan shows similar image quality as retrospective ECG-gated spiral scan with 57% reduction of radiation dose.

Low dose 320-row CT for left atrium and pulmonary veins imaging--the feasibility study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility of low dose target-CTA volume scan for left atrium and pulmonary veins imaging using 320-row CT.

METHODS

Forty-two patients (females 12, males 30; mean age 55.2 years; mean body mass index (BMI) 25.7 kg/m(2)) with persistent or intermittent atrial fibrillation before catheter ablation were enrolled in this study. Scan protocol was target-CTA volume scan under prospective ECG-gating. The target of the exposure was only set at 40% of the R-R interval (which was at the left atrium maximal volume). The exposure time was minimal setting (350 ms). Tube voltage 100 kV (BMI ≤ 25 kg/m(2)) or 120 kV (BMI>25 kg/m(2)), tube current 350-420 mA, and field of view of 180 mm × 180 mm-200 mm × 200 mm were used. The scanning range was from the level of the tracheal bifurcation to the diaphragm, and enabled to cover the left atrium and central pulmonary veins (120-140 mm). All of patients were divided into two groups according kV setting (100 kV and 120 kV). The image quality (good, moderate and poor) was evaluated by two reviewers. The CT-attenuation, image noise and contrast to noise ratio (CNR) of left atrium and every pulmonary vein branch were evaluated, respectively. The effective dose (ED) was calculated using a conversion coefficient for the chest 0.017.

RESULTS

Of 42 patients, the image quality was good in 26 cases (62%) and moderate in 16 cases (38%). There was no statistical difference in the CT-attenuation and CNR of left atrium and central pulmonary veins between the two groups (P>0.05). The mean ED was 1.90 ± 0.19 mSv (range 1.57-2.25 mSv) in 100 kV group, and 3.83 ± 0.31 mSv (range 3.39-4.54 mSv) in 120 kV group.

CONCLUSIONS

The low dose target-CTA volume scan is feasible in pulmonary veins and left atrium imaging using 320-row CT. Slim patients can be scanned at 100 kV setting without loss of image quality.

Retrospective gating vs. prospective triggering for noninvasive coronary angiography: Assessment of image quality and radiation dose using a 256-slice CT scanner with 270 ms gantry rotation

OBJECTIVE

To report our clinical experience with a 256-slice multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) with a 270-ms gantry rotation system in performing CT coronary angiograms (CTCA) using both prospectively gated step and shoot (PGSS) and retrospectively gated helical (RGH) techniques.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We studied 252 patients who received CTCA; 126 patients having mean heart rate (HR) of 72.1 were imaged with RGH CTCA and 126 patients having mean HR of 58.7 were imaged with PGSS CTCA. For patients with a prescan HR ≤70 beats/min, a PGSS acquisitions trigger was used, whereas patients whose prescan HR was >70 beats/min were imaged using an RGH acquisition. The blood vessel accessibility of both PGSS and RGH techniques was evaluated by grading the image quality score from 1 (no motion artifacts) to 4 (severe motion artifacts preventing diagnosis) for each coronary artery segment. Radiation doses of the techniques were also compared.

RESULTS

In both groups, more than 50% of segments received the best imaging score. The overall image quality scores for RGH and PGSS groups were 1.522 ± 0.317 and 1.500 ± 0.374, respectively. There was no significant difference in right coronary artery, left anterior descending artery, and left circumflex artery image quality between the two groups. Only 0.1% of segments were nonevaluative with the PGSS technique and all segments were evaluative with RGH. PGSS was associated with a 62% reduction in effective radiation dose as compared to RGH (PGSS, 5.1 mSv; RGH, 13.2 mSv).

CONCLUSIONS

There is no significant difference in image quality between PGSS and RGH in this study. Although providing similar image quality as RGH, PGSS was associated with a 62% reduction in effective radiation dose. Further study to confirm the diagnostic accuracy as compared to coronary artery angiography is warranted.

Prospectively versus retrospectively ECG-gated 256-slice coronary CT angiography: image quality and radiation dose over expanded heart rates

To compare image quality and radiation dose estimates for coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) obtained with a prospectively gated transaxial (PGT) CT technique and a retrospectively gated helical (RGH) CT technique using a 256-slice multidetector CT (MDCT) scanner and establish an upper limit of heart rate to achieve reliable diagnostic image quality using PGT. 200 patients (135 males, 65 females) with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) underwent CCTA on a 256-slice MDCT scanner. The PGT patients were enrolled prospectively from January to June, 2009. For each PGT patient, we found the paired ones in retrospective-gating patients database and randomly selected one patient in these match cases and built up the RGH group. Image quality for all coronary segments was assessed and compared between the two groups using a 4-point scale (1: non-diagnostic; 4: excellent). Effective radiation doses were also compared. The average heart rate ± standard deviation (HR ± SD) between the two groups was not significantly different (PGT: 64.6 ± 12.9 bpm, range 45-97 bpm; RGH: 66.7 ± 10.9 bpm, range 48-97 bpm, P = 0.22). A receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis determined a cutoff HR of 75 bpm up to which diagnostic image quality could be achieved using the PGT technique (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in assessable coronary segments between the two groups for HR ≤ 75 bpm (PGT: 99.9% [961 of 962 segments]; RGH: 99.8% [1038 of 1040 segments]; P = 1.0). At HR > 75 bpm, the performance of the PGT technique was affected, resulting in a moderate reduction of percentage assessable coronary segments using this approach (PGT: 95.5% [323 of 338 segments]; RGH: 98.5% [261 of 265 segments]; P = 0.04). The mean estimated effective radiation dose for the PGT group was 3.0 ± 0.7 mSv, representing reduction of 73% compared to that of the RGH group (11.1 ± 1.6 mSv) (P < 0.001). Prospectively-gated axial coronary computed tomography using a 256-slice multidetector CT scanner with a 270 ms tube rotation time enables a significant reduction in effective radiation dose while simultaneously providing image quality comparable to the retrospectively gated helical technique. Our experience demonstrates the applicability of this technique over a wider range of heart rates (up to 75 bpm) than previously reported.

MRI and CT in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease: indications and applications

In recent years, technical advances and improvements in cardiac computed tomography (CT) and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have provoked increasing interest in the potential clinical role of these techniques in the non-invasive work-up of patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) and correct patient selection for these emerging imaging techniques. In the primary detection or exclusion of significant CAD, e.g. in the patient with unspecific thoracic complaints, and also in patients with known CAD or advanced stages of CAD, both CT and MRI yield specific advantages. In this review, the major aspects of non-invasive MR and CT imaging in the diagnosis of CAD will be discussed. The first part describes the clinical value of contrast-enhanced non-invasive CT coronary angiography (CTCA), including the diagnostic accuracy of CTCA for the exclusion or detection of significant CAD with coronary artery stenoses that may require angioplastic intervention, as well as potentially valuable information on the coronary artery vessel wall. In the second section, the potential of CT for the imaging of myocardial viability and perfusion will be highlighted. In the third and final part, the range of applications of cardiac MRI in CAD patients will be outlined.

[Dose reduction during CT coronary angiography]

Dose delivery during CT coronary angiography with retrospective ECG gating is high especially due to the important slice overlapping. Optimization of the acquisition parameters is necessary to reduce patient exposure. First, the height of the scan field should be limited to the heart. Both kV and mA should be adjusted based on patient morphology. ECG gated exposure modulation with mA reduction during systole, a technique most applicable for patients with slow and regular heart rate, can result in a dose reduction up to 50%. The use of prospective ECG gating can also reduce patient dose. This technique also requires patients with slow and regular heart rate.

Multislice CT angiography in coronary artery disease: Technical developments, radiation dose and diagnostic value

Multislice computed tomography (CT) angiography has been increasingly used in the detection and diagnosis of coronary artery disease because of its rapid technical evolution from the early generation of 4-slice CT scanners to the latest models such as 64-slice, 256-slice and 320-slice CT scanners. Technical developments of multislice CT imaging enable improved diagnostic value in the detection of coronary artery disease, and this indicates that multislice CT can be used as a reliable less-invasive alternative to invasive coronary angiography in selected patients. In addition, multislice CT angiography has played a significant role in the prediction of disease progression and cardiac events. Despite promising results reported in the literature, multislice CT has the disadvantage of having a high radiation dose which could contribute to the radiation-induced malignancy. A variety of strategies have been currently undertaken to reduce the radiation dose associated with multislice CT coronary angiography while in the meantime acquiring diagnostic images. In this article, the author will review the technical developments, radiation dose associated with multislice CT coronary angiography, and strategies to reduce radiation dose. The diagnostic and prognostic value of multislice CT angiography in coronary artery disease is briefly discussed, and future directions of multislice CT angiography in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease will also be highlighted.

Radiation dose of cardiac computed tomography - what has been achieved and what needs to be done

This review highlights the recently introduced techniques by manufacturers and various research workers to reduce radiation dose in coronary CT. It discusses in detail the development of ECG-based tube current modulation, the application of low tube voltage protocols and prospective ECG-gating. It also briefly discusses two further methods of dose reduction, namely minimisation of the x-y anatomical coverage and adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction.

Low-dose coronary computed tomography angiography using prospective ECG-triggering compared to invasive coronary angiography

To assess the diagnostic accuracy of prospective ECG-triggering 64-slice multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) coronary angiography for evaluation of coronary artery disease (CAD). Forty-two patients (31 males, 11 females, mean age 64 years) underwent cardiac CT and invasive coronary angiography (ICA). Patients with a heart rate of <65 beats/min with stable heart rhythm were included in the study sample. We used a prospective ECG-triggering protocol. Luminal narrowing over 50% was considered to be significant according to a modified 17-segment AHA model, using invasive coronary angiography (ICA) as the standard of reference. The mean radiation dose was 3.5 mSv ± 0.3 (range, 3.3-4.2 mSv), and 542 of 549 segments (98.7%) in the 42 patients were diagnostic. In contrast, 119 of 542 segments (22%) were diagnosed as significant by ICA. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV and NPV were 95.0, 96.2, 96, 85.8 and 98.8%, respectively. False positive results were affected by densely calcified plaques, whereas false negatives were caused by motion artifact with poor vessel attenuation at the distal segments or near the bifurcation area of the coronary arteries. Prospective ECG-triggering MDCT is a useful method for evaluating CAD in patients with a lower heart rate with low radiation dose.

Coronary CT angiography with low radiation dose

With the introduction of 64-slice CT and dual-source CT technology, coronary CT angiography(CCTA) has emerged as a useful diagnostic imaging modality for the noninvasive assessment of coronary heart disease. Recently, the risks associated with ionizing radiation on CT have raised serious concerns.The main concern of exposure to ionizing radiation is the potential risk of cancer. CCTA involves much higher radiation dose with the advances in the spatial and temporal resolution of cardiac CT. Currently,various dose-saving algorithms, such as ECG (electrocardiography)-based dose modulation, reduced tube voltage, and prospective ECG gating, high-pitch helical scanning are available to lower radiation exposure during cardiac CT. Therefore, careful selection of CT scanning protocols is needed to keep the radiation exposure 'as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA)'. In this review we will discuss the radiation dose safety issues, the measurement of radiation dose and current use of dose-saving techniques in CCTA.

Accuracy of low-dose prospectively gated axial coronary CT angiography for the assessment of coronary artery stenosis in patients with stable heart rate

BACKGROUND

Desirable methods for cardiac CT angiography would both reduce radiation exposure from cardiac CT angiography and preserve accuracy.

OBJECTIVES

We assessed image quality, radiation dose, and diagnostic accuracy of a low-dose, prospectively gated axial cardiac CT angiography protocol for the evaluation of patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD).

METHODS

Fifty consecutive patients referred for diagnostic invasive coronary angiography (ICA) and with a stable heart rate < 60 beats/min after beta-blocker administration were prospectively enrolled in a single center study. Subjects underwent CT angiography with a 64-row multidetector CT scanner with a prospectively gated axial imaging protocol. If the examination was determined to be nondiagnostic, then a retrospectively gated helical scan was performed. Two reviewers independently assessed image quality and the presence of significant coronary artery stenosis (>50%).

RESULTS

Prospectively gated CT angiography was successfully performed in 46 of 50 patients. Of 794 coronary segments, 777 were determined to be of diagnostic image quality. The overall patient-based sensitivity (95% CI), specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy for the diagnosis of significant coronary stenosis were 100% (87%-100%), 75% (53%-90%), 81% (64%-93%), 100% (81%-100%), and 88% (81%-95%), respectively. The mean effective radiation dose for CT angiography and ICA were 3.4 +/- 0.4 mSv and 6.9 +/- 0.8 mSv, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Cardiac CT angiography performed in a prospectively gated axial mode with 64-row multidetector CT provides an accurate, low-dose alternative for the detection of CAD.