Image Quality and Reconstruction Intervals of Dual-Source CT Coronary Angiography

Recommendations for ECG-Pulsing Windowing

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate reconstruction intervals and image quality in dual-source computed tomography (DSCT) coronary angiography for optimal placement of the ECG-pulsing window.
Materials and Methods: DSCT coronary angiography was performed in 60 patients. Thirteen datasets were reconstructed in 5% increments from 20–80%. Two readers independently assessed image quality of each segment in each percentage-interval, using scores ranging from 1 (no motion artifacts) to 4 (nonevaluable).
Results: Mean heart rate (HR) was 69.0 _ 18.9 beats per minute (bpm) (range, 35–117 bpm). Diagnostic image quality (scores 1–3) was found in 97.8% of all segments (763 of 780). The 70% RR-interval provided best image quality in all patients and all HRs. The narrowest reconstruction window providing diagnostic image quality was 60–70% for HR _60 bpm, 60–80% for 60–70 bpm, 55–80% for 70–80 bpm, and 30–80% for HR _80 bpm.
Conclusions: DSCT coronary angiography provides best image quality for various HRs at 70%. The ECG-pulsing window can be adapted according to the HR while maintaining diagnostic image quality.

Leschka S, Scheffel H, Desbiolles L, Plass A, Gaemperli O, Valenta I, Husmann L, Flohr TG, Genoni M, Marincek B, Kaufmann PA, Alkadhi H.

Institute of Diagnostic Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, Raemistrasse 100, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland.

Invest Radiol. 2007 Aug;42(8):543-9.