Sandra Simon Halliburton, Ph.D.

Virtual non-contrast images can be generated using “Liver VNC” from Dual Energy software (syngo, Siemens). The default settings of the Liver VNC can be modified to customize dual-energy image post-processing. Read more

History 49-year old male referred to CT for evaluation of aortic valve. Besides asthma and history of colonoscopy, the patient was in good health. Physical examination revealed a heart murmur. The baseline echocardiogram reported normal tricuspid aortic root with moderate aortic regurgitation (AI) and EF of 60 %. Question Detection of morphology of aortic root, and severity of aortic regurgitation for surgical planning. Diagnosis/Differential diagnosis Aortic valve disorder – moderately severe AI Findings The 3D and 4D assessment of aortic root demonstrates a bicuspid aortic valve with partial fusion between non- and right coronary cusps. There is a mild prolapse of the partially fused non- and right cusp with incomplete diastolic coaptation. The area of the diastolic opening measures 0.23 cm². The diastolic opening formed by thick raphe is likely associated with severe aortic insufficiency. The absence of aortic valve calcification is noted. Comments Cardiac MDCT proves to be reliable source for detection of morphology of aortic valve. 4D images of phases between 0-90 % enable functional assessment of aortic valve and identification of degree of severity of valvular disorders. Get the Flash Player to see this player. Movie 1: Cross sectional image of aortic valve showing partial fusion of non- and right coronary cusps, and central diastolic opening. Figure 2: Cross sectional image showing the measurement of diastolic opening area in planimetry. Get the Flash Player to see this player. Movie 3: Image showing mild prolapse of aortic valve cusps and diastolic coaptation. Authors: Sandra Halliburton and Paul Schoenhagen

Background Dual-source computed tomography (DSCT) was introduced with significant hardware and software changes compared with single-source CT (SSCT), resulting in improved temporal resolution (83 ms) and the potential for improved image quality. The effect of these changes on radiation dose requirements for coronary CT angiography in clinical practice has not been … Read more

Abstract Objective: Triple phase (non-contrast, arterial, venous) single energy CT (SECT) scans are often used to monitor patients after endovascular thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair. We investigated the feasibility of replacing non-contrast and arterial phase SECT scans with a single arterial phase dual energy CT (DECT) scan and generating virtual non-contrast images. Methods: … Read more