Comprehensive cardiac CT study: Evaluation of coronary arteries, left ventricular function, and myocardial perfusion-Is it possible?

Ricardo C. Cury, Koen Nieman, Michael D. Shapiro, Khurram Nasir, Roberto C. Cury, Thomas J. Brady

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

53 Scopus citations

Abstract

With advances in multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) technology, the new generation of 64-slice MDCT scanners with submillimeter collimation and a faster gantry rotation allows imaging of the entire heart in a single breath-hold with excellent temporal and spatial resolution. This potentially permits a comprehensive assessment of coronary anatomy, left ventricular function, and myocardial perfusion. As will be seen in this review of the current literature regarding 16- and 64-slice MDCT, there is great promise for a comprehensive cardiac computed tomography (CT) study. The available data support the notion that CT coronary angiography may be an alternative to invasive coronary angiography in symptomatic patients with a low to intermediate likelihood of having coronary artery disease. By use of the same data acquired for CT coronary angiography, evaluation of global and regional left ventricular function and myocardial perfusion can be added to the MDCT evaluation without additional exposure to contrast medium or radiation and may provide a more conclusive cardiac workup in these patients. The potential applications and limitations of coronary stenosis detection, global and regional left ventricular function, and myocardial perfusion assessment by MDCT will be reviewed. The full potential of cardiac MDCT is just beginning to be realized.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)229-243
Number of pages15
JournalJournal of Nuclear Cardiology
Volume14
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2007
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging
  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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