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Xiao H, Wang X, Yang P, Wang L, Xu J. Optimization of uniformity in coronary artery enhancement using a bolus tracking technique with a dual region of interest in coronary computed tomographic angiography. Acta Radiol 2024; 65:202-210. [PMID: 38059327 DOI: 10.1177/02841851231215421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Consistent coronary artery enhancement is essential to achieve accurate and reproducible quantification of coronary plaque composition. PURPOSE To optimize coronary artery uniformity of enhancement using a bolus tracking technique with a dual region of interest (ROI) in coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) on a 320-detector CT scanner. MATERIAL AND METHODS This prospective study recruited 100 consecutive patients who underwent CCTA and were randomly divided into two groups, namely, a manual trigger group (n = 50), in which a manual fast start technique was used to start the diagnostic scan with the visual evaluation of attenuation in the left atrium and left ventricle, and an automatic trigger group (n = 50), in which a bolus tracking technique was used to automatically start the breath-holding command and diagnostic scan with two ROIs placed in the right and left ventricles. Coronary artery image quality was assessed using quantitative and qualitative scores. The enhancement uniformity was characterized by attenuation variability of the ascending aorta (AAO) and coronary arteries. RESULTS No statistically significant differences in the image quality of the coronary arteries were observed between the two groups (all P > 0.05). The coefficients of variation (COVs) of arterial attenuation in the automatic trigger group were significantly smaller than in the manual trigger group (AAO: 9.89% vs. 17.93%; LMA: 10.35% vs. 18.98%; LAD proximal: 12.09% vs. 20.84%; LCX proximal: 11.85% vs. 20.95%; RCA proximal: 12.13% vs. 20.84%; all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION The automatic trigger technique accompanied with dual ROI provides consistent coronary artery enhancement and optimizes coronary artery enhancement uniformity in CCTA on a 320-detector CT scanner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huawei Xiao
- Heart Center, Department of Radiology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiangquan Wang
- Heart Center, Department of Radiology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Panfeng Yang
- Heart Center, Department of Radiology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ling Wang
- Heart Center, Department of Radiology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jian Xu
- Heart Center, Department of Radiology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Nagayama Y, Emoto T, Kato Y, Kidoh M, Oda S, Sakabe D, Funama Y, Nakaura T, Hayashi H, Takada S, Uchimura R, Hatemura M, Tsujita K, Hirai T. Improving image quality with super-resolution deep-learning-based reconstruction in coronary CT angiography. Eur Radiol 2023; 33:8488-8500. [PMID: 37432405 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-023-09888-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effect of super-resolution deep-learning-based reconstruction (SR-DLR) on the image quality of coronary CT angiography (CCTA). METHODS Forty-one patients who underwent CCTA using a 320-row scanner were retrospectively included. Images were reconstructed with hybrid (HIR), model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR), normal-resolution deep-learning-based reconstruction (NR-DLR), and SR-DLR algorithms. For each image series, image noise, and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) at the left main trunk, right coronary artery, left anterior descending artery, and left circumflex artery were quantified. Blooming artifacts from calcified plaques were measured. Image sharpness, noise magnitude, noise texture, edge smoothness, overall quality, and delineation of the coronary wall, calcified and noncalcified plaques, cardiac muscle, and valves were subjectively ranked on a 4-point scale (1, worst; 4, best). The quantitative parameters and subjective scores were compared among the four reconstructions. Task-based image quality was assessed with a physical evaluation phantom. The detectability index for the objects simulating the coronary lumen, calcified plaques, and noncalcified plaques was calculated from the noise power spectrum (NPS) and task-based transfer function (TTF). RESULTS SR-DLR yielded significantly lower image noise and blooming artifacts with higher CNR than HIR, MBIR, and NR-DLR (all p < 0.001). The best subjective scores for all the evaluation criteria were attained with SR-DLR, with significant differences from all other reconstructions (p < 0.001). In the phantom study, SR-DLR provided the highest NPS average frequency, TTF50%, and detectability for all task objects. CONCLUSION SR-DLR considerably improved the subjective and objective image qualities and object detectability of CCTA relative to HIR, MBIR, and NR-DLR algorithms. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT The novel SR-DLR algorithm has the potential to facilitate accurate assessment of coronary artery disease on CCTA by providing excellent image quality in terms of spatial resolution, noise characteristics, and object detectability. KEY POINTS • SR-DLR designed for CCTA improved image sharpness, noise property, and delineation of cardiac structures with reduced blooming artifacts from calcified plaques relative to HIR, MBIR, and NR-DLR. • In the task-based image-quality assessments, SR-DLR yielded better spatial resolution, noise property, and detectability for objects simulating the coronary lumen, coronary calcifications, and noncalcified plaques than other reconstruction techniques. • The image reconstruction times of SR-DLR were shorter than those of MBIR, potentially serving as a novel standard-of-care reconstruction technique for CCTA performed on a 320-row CT scanner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasunori Nagayama
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1, Honjo, Chuo-Ku, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan.
| | - Takafumi Emoto
- Department of Central Radiology, Kumamoto University Hospital, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yuki Kato
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1, Honjo, Chuo-Ku, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Masafumi Kidoh
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1, Honjo, Chuo-Ku, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Seitaro Oda
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1, Honjo, Chuo-Ku, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Daisuke Sakabe
- Department of Central Radiology, Kumamoto University Hospital, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Funama
- Department of Medical Radiation Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Takeshi Nakaura
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1, Honjo, Chuo-Ku, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Hidetaka Hayashi
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1, Honjo, Chuo-Ku, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Sentaro Takada
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1, Honjo, Chuo-Ku, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Ryutaro Uchimura
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1, Honjo, Chuo-Ku, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Masahiro Hatemura
- Department of Central Radiology, Kumamoto University Hospital, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Kenichi Tsujita
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Toshinori Hirai
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1, Honjo, Chuo-Ku, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
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Otsuka K, Ishikawa H, Kono Y, Oku S, Yamaura H, Shirasawa K, Hirata K, Shimada K, Kasayuki N, Fukuda D. Aortic arch plaque morphology in patients with coronary artery disease undergoing coronary computed tomography angiography with wide-volume scan. Coron Artery Dis 2022; 33:531-539. [PMID: 35866499 PMCID: PMC9528935 DOI: 10.1097/mca.0000000000001171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wide-volume scanning with 320-row multidetector computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA-WVS) enables the assessment of the aortic arch plaque (AAP) morphology and coronary arteries without requiring additional contrast volume. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of AAPs and their association with coronary artery disease (CAD) and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in patients who underwent CTCA-WVS. METHODS This study included 204 patients without known CAD (mean age, 65 years; 53% men) who underwent CTCA-WVS. We evaluated the presence of aortic plaques in the ascending aorta, aortic arch, and thoracic descending aorta using CTCA-WVS. Large aortic plaques were defined as plaques of at least 4 mm in thickness. A complex aortic plaque was defined as a plaque with ulceration or protrusion. MACEs were defined as composite events of cardiovascular (CV) death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and ischemic stroke. RESULTS AAPs and large/complex AAPs were identified in 51% ( n = 105) and 18% ( n = 36) of the study patients, respectively. The prevalence of AAPs with large/complex morphology increased with CAD severity (2.1% in no CAD, 12% in nonobstructive CAD, and 39% in obstructive CAD). The univariate Cox hazard model demonstrated that the predictors associated with MACEs were diabetes, obstructive CAD, and large/complex AAPs. Independent factors associated with large/complex AAPs were male sex [odds ratio (OR), 2.90; P = 0.025], stroke history (OR, 3.48; P = 0.026), obstructive CAD (OR, 3.35; P = 0.011), and thoracic aortic calcification (OR, 1.77; P = 0.005). CONCLUSION CTCA-WVS provides a comprehensive assessment of coronary atherosclerosis and thoracic aortic plaques in patients with CAD, which may improve the stratification of patients at risk for CV events.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Shinya Oku
- Radiology Laboratory, Fujiikai Kashibaseiki Hospital, Kashiba
| | | | | | - Kumiko Hirata
- Department of Medical Science, Osaka Educational University, Kashihara
| | | | | | - Daiju Fukuda
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
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Jensen CT, Khetan R, Adkins J, Javadi S, Liu X, Sun J, Hassan SA, Morani AC. Delayed bolus-tracking trigger at CT correlates with cardiac dysfunction and suboptimal portovenous contrast phase. Abdom Radiol (NY) 2021; 46:826-835. [PMID: 32700213 PMCID: PMC7855139 DOI: 10.1007/s00261-020-02655-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess whether delayed trigger during bolus-tracking for CT correlates with reduced heart function and suboptimal portovenous contrast phase. METHODS AND MATERIALS Patients who underwent portovenous abdominal CT using bolus-tracking and echocardiography within 2 weeks were included and excluded if there was a non-standard contrast injection. The bolus trigger time (BTT) at 100 Hounsfield units in the abdominal aorta, patient age, congestive heart failure (CHF) history, and ejection fraction were recorded. Two radiologists scored the liver contrast phase (1-5, 5 being an optimal portovenous phase). When applicable, the BTT and contrast score of the most recent comparison examination with equivalent technical parameters were also recorded. Simple linear regression (univariate) was used to test for associations with trigger time. RESULTS 114 patients with a mean age of 61 ± 15 years fulfilled criteria. The mean trigger time was 18 ± 6 s (range: 6-38 s) and the mean ejection fraction was 52 ± 12% (range: 19-69%). A longer bolus trigger had a significant correlation with reduced ejection fraction (P = 0.0018), lower hepatic contrast score (P < 0.0001), history of CHF (P = 0.0212), and older age (P = 0.0223). Contrast score differences between the study exam and available prior exams revealed score differences of 0 (n = 73), 1 (n = 15) and 2 (n = 5); these were associated, respectively, with a mean bolus trigger time difference between exams of 2 s (range, 0-6 s), 6 s (range, 1-15 s), and 11 s (range, 5-13). The P-value comparing bolus trigger time and contrast score differences was less than 0.0001. A lower ejection fraction also significantly correlated with suboptimal PV contrast phase (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION Delayed time to trigger during bolus-tracking for CT can indicate cardiac dysfunction and may not adequately adjust to provide an optimal portovenous contrast phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corey T Jensen
- Department of Abdominal Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1400 Pressler Street, Unit 1473, Houston, TX, 77030-4009, USA.
| | - Rahul Khetan
- Department of Abdominal Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1400 Pressler Street, Unit 1473, Houston, TX, 77030-4009, USA
| | - Jake Adkins
- Department of Abdominal Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1400 Pressler Street, Unit 1473, Houston, TX, 77030-4009, USA
| | - Sanaz Javadi
- Department of Abdominal Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1400 Pressler Street, Unit 1473, Houston, TX, 77030-4009, USA
| | - Xinming Liu
- Department of Imaging Physics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1400 Pressler Street, Unit 1473, Houston, TX, 77030-4009, USA
| | - Jia Sun
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1400 Pressler Street, Unit 1473, Houston, TX, 77030-4009, USA
| | - Saamir A Hassan
- Department of Cardiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1400 Pressler Street, Unit 1473, Houston, TX, 77030-4009, USA
| | - Ajaykumar C Morani
- Department of Abdominal Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1400 Pressler Street, Unit 1473, Houston, TX, 77030-4009, USA
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