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01-01-2012 | Computed Tomography

High-pitch dual-source CT angiography of the whole aorta without ECG synchronisation: Initial experience

Authors: Martin Beeres, Boris Schell, Aristidis Mastragelopoulos, Eva Herrmann, Josef Matthias Kerl, Tatjana Gruber-Rouh, Clara Lee, Petra Siebenhandl, Boris Bodelle, Stephan Zangos, Thomas J. Vogl, Volkmar Jacobi, Ralf W. Bauer

Published in: European Radiology | Issue 1/2012

Abstract

Objective

To investigate the feasibility, image quality and radiation dose for high-pitch dual-source CT angiography (CTA) of the whole aorta without ECG synchronisation.

Methods

Each group of 40 patients underwent CTA either on a 16-slice (group 1) or dual-source CT device with conventional single-source (group 2) or high-pitch mode with a pitch of 3.0 (group 3). The presence of motion or stair-step artefacts of the thoracic aorta was independently assessed by two readers.

Results

Subjective and objective scoring of motion and artefacts were significantly reduced in the high-pitch examination protocol (p < 0.05). The imaging length was not significantly different, but the imaging time was significantly (p < 0.001) shorter in the high-pitch group (12.2 vs. 7.4 vs. 1.7 s for groups 1, 2 and 3). The ascending aorta and the coronary ostia were reliably evaluable in all patients of group 3 without motion artefacts as well.

Conclusion

High-pitch dual-source CT angiography of the whole aorta is feasible in unselected patients. As a significant advantage over regular pitch protocols, motion-free imaging of the aorta is possible without ECG synchronisation. Thus, this CT mode bears potential to become a standard CT protocol before trans-catheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

Key Points

• High-pitch CT angiography without ECG synchronisation can provide motion-free aortic imaging

• High-pitch CTA could become the standard protocol before trans-catheter aortic valve implantation

• Without ECG-gating, there is no need for special preparation of the patient

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Title: High-pitch dual-source CT angiography of the whole aorta without ECG synchronisation: Initial experience
Authors: Martin Beeres
Boris Schell
Aristidis Mastragelopoulos
Eva Herrmann
Josef Matthias Kerl
Tatjana Gruber-Rouh
Clara Lee
Petra Siebenhandl
Boris Bodelle
Stephan Zangos
Thomas J. Vogl
Volkmar Jacobi
Ralf W. Bauer
Publication date: 01-01-2012
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Radiology / Issue 1/2012
Print ISSN: 0938-7994
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1084
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-011-2257-5

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

High-pitch dual-source CT angiography of the whole aorta without ECG synchronisation: Initial experience

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Key Points

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Key Points

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