Published in:
01-07-2009 | Cardiac
Automatic selection of optimal systolic and diastolic reconstruction windows for dual-source CT coronary angiography
Authors:
H. Seifarth, M. Puesken, S. Wienbeck, D. Maintz, R. Fischbach, W. Heindel, K.-U. Juergens
Published in:
European Radiology
|
Issue 7/2009
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Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the performance of a motion-map algorithm that automatically determines optimal reconstruction windows for dual-source coronary CT angiography. In datasets from 50 consecutive patients, optimal systolic and diastolic reconstruction windows were determined using the motion-map algorithm. For manual determination of the optimal reconstruction window, datasets were reconstructed in 5% steps throughout the RR interval. Motion artifacts were rated for each major coronary vessel using a five-point scale. Mean motion scores using the motion-map algorithm were 2.4 ± 0.8 for systolic reconstructions and 1.9 ± 0.8 for diastolic reconstructions. Using the manual approach, overall motion scores were significantly better (1.9 ± 0.5 and 1.7 ± 0.6, p < 0.05), but diagnostic image quality was reached in >90% of cases using either approach. Using the automated approach, there was a negative correlation between heart rate and motion scores for systolic reconstructions (ρ = −0.26, p < 0.05) and a positive correlation for diastolic reconstructions (ρ = 0.46, p < 0.01). For the manual approach, no significant correlation was found for systolic reconstructions (ρ = −0.1, p = 0.52), while there was a positive correlation for diastolic reconstructions (ρ = 0.48, p < 0.01). Thus, the motion-map algorithm is a useful tool to save time in finding an appropriate reconstruction window in patients with heart rates <70 bpm (diastolic reconstruction) and >80 bpm (systolic reconstruction).