Complications of myocardial infarction on multidetector-row computed tomography of chest.

Myocardial infarction (MI) secondary to coronary artery disease remains the leading cause of death in the western world. The advent of early reperfusion therapy has substantially decreased in-hospital mortality and has improved the outcome in survivors of the acute phase of MI. Complications of MI include ischaemic, mechanical, arrhythmic, embolic and inflammatory disturbances. Although some of these complications may be infrequent, their importance is underscored because of the potential ability to correct them with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. The majority of these complications will be detected on clinical examination and confirmed by echocardiography. Some patients may undergo non-electrocardiogram (ECG)-gated thoracic multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) due to non-specific presentation. In this group, it is imperative for the radiologist to be aware of and be confident in diagnosing the complications secondary to MI. This review illustrates the spectrum and imaging features of acute and chronic complications of MI that can be visualized on both ECG-gated cardiac and non-ECG-gated thoracic MDCT.

Accuracy and cost-effectiveness of dynamic contrast-enhanced CT in the characterisation of solitary pulmonary nodules-the SPUtNIk study.

INTRODUCTION: Solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs) are common on CT. The most cost-effective investigation algorithm is still to be determined. Dynamic contrast-enhanced CT (DCE-CT) is an established diagnostic test not widely available in the UK currently. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The SPUtNIk study will assess the diagnostic accuracy, clinical utility and cost-effectiveness of DCE-CT, alongside the current CT and 18-flurodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography) (18FDG-PET)-CT nodule characterisation strategies in the National Health Service (NHS). Image acquisition and data analysis for 18FDG-PET-CT and DCE-CT will follow a standardised protocol with central review of 10% to ensure quality assurance. Decision analytic modelling will assess the likely costs and health outcomes resulting from incorporation of DCE-CT into management strategies for patients with SPNs. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Approval has been granted by the South West Research Ethics Committee. Ethics reference number 12/SW/0206. The results of the trial will be presented at national and international meetings and published in an Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Monograph and in peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN30784948; Pre-results.