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European Radiology

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01-11-2011 | Cardiac

Step and shoot coronary CT angiography using 256-slice CT: effect of heart rate and heart rate variability on image quality

Authors: D. Muenzel, P. B. Noel, F. Dorn, M. Dobritz, E. J. Rummeny, A. Huber

Published in: European Radiology | Issue 11/2011

Abstract

Objective

To evaluate the effect of heart rate variability (HRV) and heart rate (HR) on intra-image “motion” and inter-image “stairstep” artefacts in step-and-shoot coronary CT angiography (CCTA) using a wide detector CT scanner.

Methods

66 patients underwent step-and-shoot CCTA using 256-slice CT. Patients were divided into two groups (Group 1: HR <65 bpm, Group 2 ≥65bpm). Motion artefacts were quantified using a 5-point-scale. Stairstep artefacts were defined by measurements of misalignment. Image noise, contrast-to-noise-ratio (CNR), signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR), and radiation dose were assessed.

Results

Mean HR was 66 ± 16.7 bpm (range: 45–125 bpm) and mean HRV was 10.7 ± 17.5 bpm. A significant correlation between HR and stairstep artefacts (r = 0.46, p < 0.001) and motion artefacts (r = 0.63, p < 0.001) was found. Group 2 showed significantly increased step artefacts with a mean misalignment of 1.4 mm compared to 0.4 mm in Group 1 (p < 0.001). There was no significant effect of HRV on stairstep artefacts (r = 0.15, p = 0.416) and motion artefacts (r = 0.13, p = 0.311). No significant differences in image noise, CNR, SNR, and radiation dose were seen.

Conclusions

Unlike CCTA using narrow CT detectors, HRV has no significant effect on motion and stairstep artefacts using a wide CT detector with high z-coverage. However, a higher HR still increases stairstep and motion artefacts.

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Title: Step and shoot coronary CT angiography using 256-slice CT: effect of heart rate and heart rate variability on image quality
Authors: D. Muenzel
P. B. Noel
F. Dorn
M. Dobritz
E. J. Rummeny
A. Huber
Publication date: 01-11-2011
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Radiology / Issue 11/2011
Print ISSN: 0938-7994
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1084
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-011-2185-4

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Step and shoot coronary CT angiography using 256-slice CT: effect of heart rate and heart rate variability on image quality

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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