Visualization of anomalous coronary arteries on dual-source computed tomography.

The purpose of this study is to assess the capability of dual-source computed tomography (DSCT) in evaluating coronary artery anomalies. Early detection and evaluation of coronary artery anomalies is essential because of their potential association with myocardial ischemia and sudden death. In 16 patients (12 men, mean age 50 +/- 14 years), anomalous coronary arteries were detected on contrast-enhanced DSCT in a patient cohort of 230 individuals (incidence of 7%). Six different types of anomalies were diagnosed (three fistula, four anomalies of the circumflex artery, four anomalous right coronary arteries, three anomalies of the left coronary artery, one absent left main coronary artery, and one left coronary artery arising from the pulmonary trunk). Of the 16 patients, 10 also underwent conventional coronary angiography (CAG). Retrospective evaluation of the CAGs by an experienced interventional cardiologist resulted in a precise diagnosis in 50% of patients. With DSCT, sufficient image quality and exact visualization of the aberrant anatomy were achieved in all patients. Therefore, DSCT seems to be an accurate diagnostic tool for examining the precise origin, course, and shape of aberrant coronary arteries.

Coronary revascularization treatment based on dual-source computed tomography.

Therapy advice based on dual-source computed tomography (DSCT) in comparison with coronary angiography (CAG) was investigated and the results evaluated after 1-year follow-up. Thirty-three consecutive patients (mean age 61.9 years) underwent DSCT and CAG and were evaluated independently. In an expert reading (the "gold standard"), CAG and DSCT examinations were evaluated simultaneously by an experienced radiologist and cardiologist. Based on the presence of significant stenosis and current guidelines, therapy advice was given by all readers blinded from the results of other readings and clinical information. Patients were treated based on a multidisciplinary team evaluation including all clinical information. In comparison with the gold standard, CAG had a higher specificity (91%) and positive predictive value (PPV) (95%) compared with DSCT (82% and 91%, respectively). DSCT had a higher sensitivity (96%) and negative predictive value (NPV) (89%) compared with CAG (91% and 83%, respectively). The DSCT-based therapy advice did not lead to any patient being denied the revascularization they needed according to the multidisciplinary team evaluation. During follow-up, two patients needed additional revascularization. The high NPV for DSCT for revascularization assessment indicates that DSCT could be safely used to select patients benefiting from medical therapy only.

Echocardiographic and electron beam tomographic assessment of stenosis in patients with aortic valve disease: gradient versus valve area.

BACKGROUND: Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is routinely used to evaluate aortic valve stenosis. However, it does not give reliable results in every patient. There is growing interest in electron-beam tomography (EBT) as a noninvasive cardiac imaging technique. The usefulness of EBT to evaluate aortic stenosis has yet to be evaluated. AIM: To compare EBT with TTE in assessing severity of aortic stenosis. METHODS: In total 47 patients (18 females, 29 males) underwent a contrast-enhanced EBT scan and TTE within 6±20 days. The calcium score of the aortic valve was determined and the aortic valve area (AVA) was measured by planimetry. A complete TTE study, during which the peak pressure gradient across the aortic valve was measured, was performed in all patients by an experienced sonographer. RESULTS: There was a significant correlation between AVA assessed by EBT and peak pressure gradient (r=-0.38, p=0.009). The calcium score of the aortic valve assessed by EBT correlated with peak pressure gradient (r=0.48, p=0.001). CONCLUSION: EBT is a useful noninvasive method to evaluate the severity of aortic stenosis. It holds the possibility of assessing the AVA as well as quantification of the degree of calcification.

Assessment of coronary artery bypass graft patency by multidetector computed tomography and electron-beam tomography.

This case report describes the use of retrospectively ECG-gated 16-slice multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and electron-beam tomography (EBT) for assessing bypass graft patency in two patients with recurrent angina after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The results of each tomographic modality were compared to the findings of traditional coronary angiography. In the first patient MDCT showed occlusion of the left internal mammary artery (LIMA) and saphenous vein graft after the second anastomosis. Coronary angiography confirmed these findings. In the second patient EBT showed patency of the LIMA and saphenous vein graft. After the first anastomosis of the saphenous vein graft, the connected vessel filled poorly. Coronary angiography confirmed both grafts to be patent, and detected an occlusion distal to the first anastomosis. These findings support the evidence that both MDCT and EBT are suitable techniques for establishing bypass graft patency by non-invasive means.