ASCI 2010 appropriateness criteria for cardiac computed tomography: a report of the Asian Society of Cardiovascular Imaging Cardiac Computed Tomography and Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging Guideline Working Group

Dynamic cardiac computed tomography characteristics of double-chambered right ventricle

To introduce image characteristics of double-chambered right ventricle on cardiac computed tomography and set a diagnostic criterion for the diagnosis. We retrospectively collected and measured the right ventricular constrictive ratio on computed tomography images in children who had simple ventricular septal defects in the past 10 years, because double-chambered right ventricle is often associated with ventricular septal defects. The right ventricular constrictive ratio was defined as the subinfundibular cross-sectional intraluminal area during end-systole divided by the area during end-diastole in the same patient. We compared the right ventricular constrictive ratio between subjects with concomitant double-chambered right ventricle and those without. 52 children were included, and 23 (44.2%) of them have concomitant double-chambered right ventricle. In most cases (n = 21; 91.3%), the hypertrophied muscular bundles occur just inferior to the level of the supraventricular crest in the right ventricle. Mean right ventricular constrictive ratio in patients with double-chambered right ventricle (15%) was significantly smaller than that without (29%). A cut-off value of a right ventricular constrictive ratio less than 20.1% was established to diagnose double-chambered right ventricle with an 89.7% sensitivity and 78. 3% specificity. Right ventricular constrictive ratio can be a valuable asset for the preoperative diagnosis of double-chambered right ventricle with cardiac computed tomography.

Classification of severe aortic stenosis and outcomes after aortic valve replacement

Aortic valve calcium scoring by cardiac computed tomographic (CT) has been recommended as an alternative to classify the AS (aortic stenosis) severity, but it is unclear that whether CT findings would have additional value to discriminate significant AS subtypes including high gradient severe AS, classic low-flow, low gradient (LF-LG) AS, paradoxical LF-LG AS, and moderate AS. In this study, we examined the preoperative clinical and cardiac CT findings of different subtypes of AS in patients with surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR) and evaluated the subtype classification as a factor affecting post-surgical outcomes. This study included 511 (66.9 ± 8.8 years, 55% men) consecutive patients with severe AS who underwent surgical AVR. Aortic valve area (AVA) was obtained by echocardiography (AVAecho) and by CT (AVACT) using each modalities measurement of the left ventricular outflow tract. Patients with AS were classified as (1) high-gradient severe (n = 438), (2) classic LF-LG (n = 18), and (3) paradoxical LF-LG (n = 55) based on echocardiography. In all patients, 455 (89.0%) patients were categorized as severe AS according to the AVACT. However, 56 patients were re-classified as moderate AS (43 [9.8%] high-gradient severe AS, 5 [27.8%] classic LF-LG AS, and 8 [14.5%] paradoxical LF-LG AS) by AVACT. The classic LF-LG AS group presented larger AVACT and aortic annulus than those in high-gradient severe AS group and one third of them had AVACT ≥ 1.2 cm2. After multivariable adjustment, old age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.04, P = 0.049), high B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) (HR, 1.005; P < 0.001), preoperative atrial fibrillation (HR, 2.75; P = 0.003), classic LF-LG AS (HR, 5.53, P = 0.004), and small aortic annulus on CT (HR, 0.57; P = 0.002) were independently associated with major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) after surgical AVR.

History of the Asian Society of Cardiovascular Imaging

The Asian Society of Cardiovascular Imaging (ASCI) was established in 2006 to improve the healthcare, education, training, quality control, and research in cardiovascular imaging in Asia. The ASCI is presently active, with more than 1400 members from 53 countries. Herein, the evolution and current development of the ASCI are described, including the early history, organization, annual congresses, collaboration with international sister societies, official journal, and the ASCI School. The ASCI has successfully led the development of cardiovascular imaging in Asia and will continue to grow.

Diagnosis of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Children by Using Cardiac Computed Tomography

OBJECTIVE

To establish diagnostic criteria for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in children by using parameters obtained through noninvasive cardiac computed tomography (CCT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively measured parameters from CCT images of children from a single institution in a multiple stepwise process. A total of 208 children with mean age of 10.5 years (range: 4 days-18.9 years) were assessed. The variables were classified into three groups: the great arteries; the ventricular walls; and the bilateral ventricular cavities. The relationship between the parameters obtained from the CCT images and mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) was tested and adjusted by the children's body size. Reference curves for the pulmonary trunk diameter (PTD) and ratio of diameter of pulmonary trunk to ascending aorta (rPTAo) of children with CCT images of normal hearts, adjusted for height, were plotted. Threshold lines were established on the reference curves.

RESULTS

PTD and rPTAo on the CCT images were significantly positively correlated with mPAP (r > 0.85, p < 0.01). Height was the body size parameter most correlated with PTD (r = 0.91, p < 0.01) and rPTAo (r = -0.69, p < 0.01). On the basis of the threshold lines on the reference curves, PTD and rPTAo both showed 88.9% sensitivity for PAH diagnosis, with negative predictive values of 93.3% and 92.9%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

PTD and rPTAo measured from CCT images were significantly correlated with mPAP in children. Reference curves and the formula of PTD and rPTAo adjusted for height could be practical for diagnosing PAH in children.

Demonstration of infective endocarditis by cardiac CT and transoesophageal echocardiography: comparison with intra-operative findings

Aims

We aimed to compare imaging findings of infective endocarditis between computed tomography (CT) and transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) using surgical inspection as a reference standard.

Methods and results

Forty-nine patients (aged 54 ± 17 years, 69% men) who underwent pre-operative CT and TEE for infective endocarditis were included. Twelve of these patients had prosthetic valve endocarditis. Imaging findings of infective endocarditis were classified as vegetation, leaflet perforation, abscess/pseudoaneurysm, and paravalvular leakage. Diagnostic performances of CT and TEE were evaluated using surgical inspection as a reference standard. Interobserver agreements for CT findings were obtained using Cohen's κ test. The detection rates of infective endocarditis per patient with CT and TEE were 93.9% (46/49) and 95.9% (47/49), respectively. In per-imaging analysis, the sensitivities of CT and TEE were not significantly different for both native and prosthetic valve infective endocarditis (sensitivity: vegetation, 100% in TEE and 90.9% in CT; leaflet perforation, 87.5% in TEE and 50.0% in CT; abscess/pseudoaneurysm, 40.0% in TEE and 60.0% in CT; paravalvular leakage, 100% in TEE and 50.0% in CT). Interobserver agreements for CT findings were substantial or excellent (0.79-0.88).

Conclusion

Cardiac CT can accurately demonstrate infective endocarditis in pre-operative patients with a similar diagnostic accuracy to TEE. The interobserver agreements for the CT findings of infective endocarditis were excellent.

Functional classification of aortic regurgitation using cardiac computed tomography: comparison with surgical inspection

In patients with aortic regurgitation (AR), a precise preoperative assessment of aortic valve (AV) pathology is important if AV repair or sparing operation is an alternative option. The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography (CT) for evaluating the AR mechanism compared with surgical inspection. 59 patients with AR who underwent AV surgery and preoperative cardiac CT were evaluated. AR mechanism was classified into type 1 (aortic dilatation or cusp perforation), type 2 (prolapsed cusp) and type 3 (cusp retraction). Agreement between CT and surgical inspection was obtained. Correlation between aortic regurgitant orifice (ARO) and imaging parameters were evaluated. On surgical inspection, type 1 AR was noted in 22 patients, type 2 in 16 and type 3 in 21. Agreement regarding the AR mechanism on CT was excellent (intra-class correlation coefficient, 0.81). At the patient level, the Cohen's κ value for CT findings with surgical inspection was of 0.89. At the cusp level, moderate agreement was noted between CT and surgical inspection. In the per-cusp analysis, CT had a sensitivity of 72.6%, specificity of 85.1%, positive predictive value of 73.8% and negative predictive value of 84.3% for the detection of aortic cusp abnormality. The diameter, perimeter and area of aortic annulus had moderate correlation with ARO (r = 0.54-0.66, P < 0.001). CT-derived classification of AR mechanism showed excellent agreement with surgical inspection.

Beck KS, Kim JA, Choe YH, Hian SK, Hoe J, Hong YJ, Kim SM, Kim TH, Kim YJ, Kim YH, Kuribayashi S, Lee J, Leong L, Lim TH, Lu B, Park JH, Sakuma H, Yang DH, Yaw TS, Wan YL, Zhang Z, Zhao S, Yong HS. 2017 Multimodality Appropriate Use Criteria for Noninvasive Cardiac Imaging: Expert Consensus of the Asian Society of Cardiovascular Imaging

In 2010, the Asian Society of Cardiovascular Imaging (ASCI) provided recommendations for cardiac CT and MRI, and this document reflects an update of the 2010 ASCI appropriate use criteria (AUC). In 2016, the ASCI formed a new working group for revision of AUC for noninvasive cardiac imaging. A major change that we made in this document is the rating of various noninvasive tests (exercise electrocardiogram, echocardiography, positron emission tomography, single-photon emission computed tomography, radionuclide imaging, cardiac magnetic resonance, and cardiac computed tomography/angiography), compared side by side for their applications in various clinical scenarios. Ninety-five clinical scenarios were developed from eight selected pre-existing guidelines and classified into four sections as follows: 1) detection of coronary artery disease, symptomatic or asymptomatic; 2) cardiac evaluation in various clinical scenarios; 3) use of imaging modality according to prior testing; and 4) evaluation of cardiac structure and function. The clinical scenarios were scored by a separate rating committee on a scale of 1–9 to designate appropriate use, uncertain use, or inappropriate use according to a modified Delphi method. Overall, the AUC ratings for CT were higher than those of previous guidelines. These new AUC provide guidance for clinicians choosing among available testing modalities for various cardiac diseases and are also unique, given that most previous AUC for noninvasive imaging include only one imaging technique. As cardiac imaging is multimodal in nature, we believe that these AUC will be more useful for clinical decision making.

Current utilization of cardiac computed tomography in mainland China: A national survey

BACKGROUND

Surveys that describe the utilization of cardiac CT are available for the United States, Germany, and Taiwan, but not mainland China.

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the clinical utilization of cardiac CT in mainland China.

METHODS

A 25-item questionnaire was created and 240 tertiary hospitals were randomly selected to participate. Survey data were collected and confirmed by email as well as phone interviews.

RESULTS

In total, 237 (99%) hospitals consented to this survey, but 85 were excluded because of lack of cardiac CT patient volume or advanced technology. Finally, 152 (64%) questionnaires were available for analysis. Median patient volume was 1,037 patients (range: 150-8,072) annually. The most common clinical indications for coronary CT angiography were exclusion of coronary artery disease in patients with low to intermediate pretest likelihood, asymptomatic individuals with cardiovascular risk factors, and follow-up after coronary bypass grafting. The median heart rate threshold for beta blocker administration was >70 beats/min; most centers (86%) used sublingual nitroglycerin. Prospectively ECG triggered acquisition was the predominant technique in 44% of hospitals. Most (59%) providers adjusted the tube current to the body mass, but few (16%) adjusted the contrast injection rate. Per case, the mean examination duration was 14.2 min; post-processing time 13.6 min; and reporting time 18.0 min.

CONCLUSIONS

Cardiac CT is widely established in clinical practice in mainland China but there is a need for more uniform standards regarding performance and clinical utilization.

Stent fracture and longitudinal compression detected on coronary CT angiography in the first- and new-generation drug-eluting stents

To evaluated prevalence and clinical implication of stent fracture and longitudinal compression in first- and new-generation drug-eluting stents (DES) using coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). The incidence of stent fracture and longitudinal compression were compared between first- and new-generation DES in 374 patients who underwent coronary stenting using DES and follow-up CCTA due to recurrent angina. 235 and 139 patients received 322 first- and 213 new-generation DES, respectively. The crude per-stent incidence of longitudinal compression (6.1 vs. 0.3 %, p < 0.001) was higher after new- than first-generation DES implantation using CCTA and the incidence of stent fracture (11.3 vs. 8.1 %, p = 0.23) was comparable. On follow-up coronary angiography for 347 stents, stent fracture (3.2 %) and longitudinal compression (0.9 %) were less detected than those on CCTA. Ostial stenting was a risk factor of longitudinal compression (p < 0.001). Stent fracture was associated with younger patients (p = 0.03), longer stent (p = 0.010), and excessively tortuous lesions (p = 0.001). The presence of stent fracture or longitudinal compression was not associated with poor clinical outcomes. The longitudinal compression more frequently occurred after new-generation DES implantation. The stent fracture was comparable between two DES. However, the occurrence of such mechanical deformities did not translate into a poor clinical outcome.

Coronary CT angiography findings based on smoking status: Do ex-smokers and never-smokers share a low probability of developing coronary atherosclerosis?

The relationship of coronary artery disease (CAD) in ex-smokers has not been elucidated, although smoking is considered to be one of the major risk factors of CAD. We investigate subclinical coronary atherosclerosis (SCA) in asymptomatic subjects with coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA), according to smoking status, and determine whether ex-smokers share a low probability of developing CAD with never-smokers. We retrospectively enrolled 6930 self-referred asymptomatic adults who underwent both coronary artery calcium score (CACS) and CCTA. The prevalence and characteristics of SCA were assessed according to smoking status (never-, ex- and current smokers). After adjusting for variable risk factors, we used multivariate logistic regression for adjusted odds ratios (AOR) of high CACS (>100), SCA (any plaque), significant stenosis (>50 % in luminal stenosis) and each plaque type (non-calcified, mixed and calcified plaque) among the three groups. The prevalence of SCA was highest in the ex-smokers (35.4 %) and the prevalence of significant stenosis in ex-smokers (6.9 %) was as high as in current smokers (6.4 %). However, after adjusting for variable risk factors, SCA was significantly correlated with both ex-smokers (AOR; 1.21) and current smokers (AOR; 1.25), whereas significant stenosis was correlated only with current smokers (AOR; 1.91). The association between SCA and ex-smokers is as strong as with current smokers, although significant stenosis is only correlated with current smokers; thus, not only quitting smoking but also never initiating smoking would be helpful to reduce the progression of the SCA.

Korean guidelines for the appropriate use of cardiac CT

The development of cardiac CT has provided a non-invasive alternative to echocardiography, exercise electrocardiogram, and invasive angiography and cardiac CT continues to develop at an exponential speed even now. The appropriate use of cardiac CT may lead to improvements in the medical performances of physicians and can reduce medical costs which eventually contribute to better public health. However, until now, there has been no guideline regarding the appropriate use of cardiac CT in Korea. We intend to provide guidelines for the appropriate use of cardiac CT in heart diseases based on scientific data. The purpose of this guideline is to assist clinicians and other health professionals in the use of cardiac CT for diagnosis and treatment of heart diseases, especially in patients at high risk or suspected of heart disease.

Usefulness of 64-detector computed tomography in the diagnosis and management of patients with congenital heart disease

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Although congenital heart defects are the most common major congenital abnormalities, the associated mortality has been decreasing due to improvements in their diagnosis and treatment. We assessed the usefulness of 64-multidetector computed tomography in the diagnosis and management of these patients.

METHODS

This 5-year observational, analytical, retrospective, cohort study included a total of 222 tomographic studies of patients with congenital heart disease. Computed tomography scans were read twice and medical records were reviewed. We assessed the complexity of the disease, patient, and radiological technique, and evaluated the contribution of new data in relation to clinical suspicion and diagnostic change. A confidence interval was set at 95% and a P value of<.05 was used as the cutoff for statistical significance.

RESULTS

In 35.1% of patients, the treatment procedure was performed after computed tomography without other tests. Additional diagnostic catheterization was performed in 12.5% of patients. There were new findings in 77% of patients (82.9% with complex disease), which prompted a change in patient management in 35.6%. All unexpected reports described new findings. No significant differences were found by age, sex, study period, urgency of the test order, patient complexity, or difficulty of the technique.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of 64-detector computed tomography yields good diagnostic performance in congenital heart disease, prompts changes in management in more than one-third of patients, and reveals new findings in relation to the presumed diagnosis in 77% of patients.

Trends in the utilization of computed tomography and cardiac catheterization among children with congenital heart disease

Background/Purpose

Pediatric cardiac computed tomography (CT) is a noninvasive imaging modality used to clearly demonstrate the anatomical detail of congenital heart diseases. We investigated the impact of cardiac CT on the utilization of cardiac catheterization among children with congenital heart disease.

Methods

The study sample consisted of 2648 cardiac CT and 3814 cardiac catheterization from 1999 to 2009 for congenital heart diseases. Diagnoses were categorized into 11 disease groups. The numbers of examination, according to the different modalities, were compared using temporal trend analyses. The estimated effective radiation doses (mSv) of CT and catheterization were calculated and compared.

Results

The number of CT scans and interventional catheterizations had a slight annual increase of 1.2% and 2.7%, respectively, whereas that of diagnostic catheterization decreased by 6.2% per year. Disease groups fell into two categories according to utilization trend differences between CT and diagnostic catheterization. The increased use of CT reduces the need for diagnostic catheterization in patients with atrioventricular connection disorder, coronary arterial disorder, great vessel disorder, septal disorder, tetralogy of Fallot, and ventriculoarterial connection disorder. Clinicians choose either catheterization or CT, or both examinations, depending on clinical conditions, in patients with semilunar valvular disorder, heterotaxy, myocardial disorder, pericardial disorder, and pulmonary vein disorder. The radiation dose of CT was lower than that of diagnostic cardiac catheterization in all age groups.

Conclusion

The use of noninvasive CT in children with selected heart conditions might reduce the use of diagnostic cardiac catheterization. This may release time and facilities within the catheterization laboratory to meet the increasing demand for cardiac interventions.

Dual-energy cardiac computed tomography for differentiating cardiac myxoma from thrombus

Although intra-cardiac masses are rare, diagnosis and refined characterization of these masses are important because of the different therapeutic strategies used to treat these lesions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of dual-energy cardiac computed tomography (CCT) for differentiating cardiac myxomas from thrombi. Our institutional review board approved this study, and patients provided informed consent. We prospectively enrolled 37 patients who had an intra-cardiac mass on echocardiography or computed tomography (CT). All patients underwent dual-energy CCT. For quantitative analysis, the CT attenuation density and iodine concentration of the intra-cardiac mass were measured on CT images. The Mann-Whitney test was used to evaluate differences in the mean CT attenuation density and the mean iodine concentrations between the cardiac myxoma and thrombus groups. Pathological results or follow-up with echocardiography was used to make the final diagnosis. There were a total of 17 cardiac myxomas and 20 thrombi. On CT, the mean CT numbers were not significantly different between cardiac myxomas and cardiac thrombi (91.7 ± 11.6 HU vs. 85.2 ± 10.9 HU, respectively, P = 0.241), whereas, the mean iodine concentration (mg/ml) was significantly different between cardiac myxomas and cardiac thrombi (3.53 ± 0.72 vs. 1.37 ± 0.31, respectively, P < 0.001). Dual-energy CCT using a quantitative analytic methodology can be used to differentiate between cardiac myxomas and thrombi.

Coronary artery calcium score: a review

Context

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the foremost cause of death in many countries and hence, its early diagnosis is usually concerned as a major healthcare priority. Coronary artery calcium scoring (CACS) using either electron beam computed tomography (EBCT) or multislice computed tomography (MSCT) has been applied for more than 20 years to provide an early CAD diagnosis in clinical routine practice. Moreover, its association with other body organs has been a matter of vast research.

Evidence Acquisition

In this review article, techniques of CACS using EBCT and MSCT scanners as well as clinical and research indications of CACS are searched from PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Google Scholar and Scopus databases in a time period between late 1970s through July 2013 and following appropriate selection, dealt with. Moreover, the previous and ongoing research subjects and their results are discussed.

Results

The CACS is vastly applied in early detection of CAD and in many other research fields.

Conclusions

CACS has remarkably changed the screening techniques to detect CAD earlier than before and is generally accepted as a standard of reference for determination of risk of further cardiac events.

Significance of coronary calcification for prediction of coronary artery disease and cardiac events based on 64-slice coronary computed tomography angiography

This work aims to validate the clinical significance of coronary artery calcium score (CACS) in predicting coronary artery disease (CAD) and cardiac events in 100 symptomatic patients (aged 37-87 years, mean 62.5, 81 males) that were followed up for a mean of 5 years. Our results showed that patients with CAD and cardiac events had significantly higher CACS than those without CAD and cardiac events, respectively. The corresponding data were 1450.42 ± 3471.24 versus 130 ± 188.29 (P < 0.001) for CAD, and 1558.67 ± 513.29 versus 400.46 ± 104.47 (P = 0.031) for cardiac events. Of 72 patients with CAD, cardiac events were found in 56 (77.7%) patients. The prevalence of cardiac events in our cohort was 13.3% for calcium score 0, 50% for score 11-100, 56% for score 101-400, 68.7% for score 401-1,000, and 75.0% for score >1000. Increased CACS (>100) was also associated with an increased frequency of multi-vessel disease. Nonetheless, 3 (20%) out of 15 patients with zero CACS had single-vessel disease. Significant correlation (P < 0.001) was observed between CACS and CAD on a vessel-based analysis for coronary arteries. It is concluded that CACS is significantly correlated with CAD and cardiac events.

Cardiac CT and MRI for congenital heart disease in Asian countries: recent trends in publication based on a scientific database

In the past 12 years, during the process of imaging congenital heart disease (CHD), Asian doctors have not only made every effort to adhere to established magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocols as in Western countries, but also have developed Computed tomography (CT) as an alternative problem-solving technique. Databases have shown that Asian doctors were more inclined to utilize CT than MRI in evaluating CHD. Articles in the literature focusing on CT have been cited more frequently than articles on MRI. Additionally, several repeatedly cited CT articles have become seminal papers in this field. The database reflects a trend suggesting that Asian doctors actively adapt to new techniques and flexibly develop unique strategies to overcome limitations caused by the relatively limited resources often available to them.

Evolution of coronary computed tomography radiation dose reduction at a tertiary referral center

PURPOSE

We aimed to assess the temporal change in radiation doses from coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) during a 6-year period. High CCTA radiation doses have been reduced by multiple technologies that, if used appropriately, can decrease exposures significantly.

METHODS

A total of 1277 examinations performed from 2005 to 2010 were included. Univariate and multivariable regression analysis of patient- and scan-related variables was performed with estimated radiation dose as the main outcome measure.

RESULTS

Median doses decreased by 74.8% (P<.001), from 13.1 millisieverts (mSv) (interquartile range 9.3-14.7) in period 1 to 3.3 mSv (1.8-6.7) in period 4. Factors associated with greatest dose reductions (P<.001) were all most frequently applied in period 4: axial-sequential acquisition (univariate: -8.0 mSv [-9.7 to -7.9]), high-pitch helical acquisition (univariate: -8.8 mSv [-9.3 to -7.9]), reduced tube voltage (100 vs 120 kV) (univariate: -6.4 mSv [-7.4 to -5.4]), and use of automatic exposure control (univariate: -5.3 mSv [-6.2 to -4.4]).

CONCLUSIONS

CCTA radiation doses were reduced 74.8% through increasing use of dose-saving measures and evolving scanner technology.

Progress of the Asian Society of Cardiovascular Imaging

ASCI has continued to grow over the past 5 years since its establishment in 2006. Recent record shows total membership of 804 from 34 countries and 1,032 attendants from 32 countries at the last annual congress in Hong Kong in 2011. ASCI publishes ASCI Special Issues twice a year in the International Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging. The Asian CCT and CMR Guideline Working Group of ASCI published guidelines and protocol in the ASCI Special Issue of the International Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging in 2010. ASCI launched the [ASCI](2) (Advanced School for Core Investigators from ASCI) Program with the aim to recruit young ASCI members of high potential and train them to become representative scholars of Asia, which was met with much success in 2010 and 2011. ASCI is trying to widen its scope by collaborating with other cardiovascular imaging societies including the European Society of Cardiovascular Radiology. Multicenter trials by ASCI researchers and cardiac imaging registry in the Asian population are being designed to represent ASCI.

Comprehensive MDCT evaluation of patients with pulmonary hypertension: diagnosing underlying causes with the updated Dana Point 2008 classification

OBJECTIVE

Pulmonary hypertension is a challenge for imagers and clinicians, with a variety of possible underlying causes, each with its own specific treatment. Although the diagnosis is based on physiologic measurements, ECG-gated MDCT can play a vital role in elucidating underlying cardiac, vascular, and pulmonary causes.

CONCLUSION

A revised system for pulmonary hypertension, the Dana Point classification, can provide a template for review of the myriad causes of this complex condition.

Coronary artery calcium scoring and its impact on the clinical practice in the era of multidetector CT

With the suggestion of coronary artery calcium as an indicator of coronary artery disease 30 years ago, intense and controversial discussion regarding coronary artery calcium has been ongoing. Diverse techniques for evaluation of coronary artery calcium were suggested and validation of its feasibility has been followed up. Following establishment of reference standards, coronary artery calcium became widely utilized in clinical practice and scientific research. Originally coronary artery calcium scoring techniques were developed for prediction of cardiovascular risk. Additionally, coronary artery calcium scoring has been utilized as an indicator for other medical events. Recently, coronary artery calcium scoring used to be applied as a reference standard during scientific research. In this article, the topic of coronary artery calcium, from its introduction to its current usefulness, was discussed from the viewpoints of coronary artery calcium scoring techniques, imaging modalities, validation of the techniques, clinical feasibility of coronary artery calcium scoring beyond traditional cardiovascular risk prediction, and utilization of coronary artery calcium scoring as a reference standard. Popular coronary calcium scoring techniques comprises of Agatston, volume, and mass scores. Through validation of these techniques, pros and cons of each technique were analyzed and proper utility could be suggested. In parallel, the reference standards for Agatston and volume scores were established by age, sex, and race. Through the vigorous controversies, nowadays, the clinical feasibility of coronary artery calcium score as a surrogate marker of cardiovascular risk was acknowledged in the literature.

Progress and Current State of Coronary CT

The recent appearance of multislice computed tomography (CT) has enabled noninvasive imaging of the coronary artery. Particularly, the appearance of 64-row CT has rapidly promoted its spread into routine medical practice. In this report, progress and current state of coronary CT employing multislice CT are outlined.

Kitagawa K, Choi BW, Chan C, Jinzaki M, Tsai IC, Yong HS, Yu W. ASCI 2010 appropriateness criteria for cardiac magnetic resonance imaging: a report of the Asian Society of Cardiovascular Imaging cardiac computed tomography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging guideline working group

There has been a growing need for standard Asian population guidelines for cardiac CT and cardiac MR due to differences in culture, healthcare system, ethnicity and disease prevalence. The Asian Society of Cardiovascular Imaging, as the only society dedicated to cardiovascular imaging in Asia, formed a cardiac CT and cardiac MR guideline working group in order to help Asian practitioners to establish cardiac CT and cardiac MR services. In this ASCI cardiac MR appropriateness criteria report, 23 Technical Panel members representing various Asian countries were invited to rate 50 indications that can frequently be encountered in clinical practice in Asia. Indications were rated on a scale of 1–9 to be categorized into ‘appropriate’ (7–9), ‘uncertain’ (4–6), or ‘inappropriate’ (1–3). According to median scores of the 23 members, the final ratings for indications were 24 appropriate, 18 uncertain and 8 inappropriate with 22 ‘highly-agreed’ (19 appropriate and 3 inappropriate) indications. This report is expected to have a significant impact on the cardiac MR practices in many Asian countries by promoting the appropriate use of cardiac MR.