Computed Tomograph Cardiovascular Imaging

Abstract

Cardiac computed tomography (CT) is a robust technology for the noninvasive assessment of a spectrum of cardiovascular disease processes. The predominant use of cardiac CT is fi rst detection of atherosclerosis and subsequently detection of stenosis, perfusion imaging, wall motion and ultimately valve disease. Although the technology has been clinically available for more than 25 years, cardiologists and even radiologists are largely unaware of its full capabilities. This chapter reviews cardiac CT's current clinical uses and its potential for even greater utility in the near future. Advances in spatial and temporal resolution, electrocardiographic (ECG) triggering methodology, radiation dose reduction, and image reconstruction software have helped in the evaluation of coronary artery anatomy and vessel patency, providing the ability to noninvasively diagnose or rule out signifi cant epicardial CAD. Cardiac CT allows the 3-dimensional (3D) simultaneous imaging of additional cardiac structures-including the coronary veins, pulmonary veins, atria, ventricles, aorta, and thoracic arterial and venous structures-and defi nition of their spatial relationships for the comprehensive assessment of a variety of cardiovascular disease processes. This chapter details the role of cardiac CT for the assessment of cardiovascular pathology with an emphasis on the detection of coronary atherosclerosis.

Comparison of echocardiography and 64‐slice spiral computed tomography in the diagnosis of congenital heart disease in children

“…Pulmonary arteries left and right pulmonary arteries and transhepatic levels of the aorta were measured by M‐mode ultrasonography in two‐dimensional images of the main and pulmonary arteries . The left ventricular systolic function was measured . The short aorta artery measures the size and location of a ventricular septal defect (VSD) .…”

“…20,21 The left ventricular systolic function was measured. 22 The short aorta artery measures the size and location of a ventricular septal defect (VSD). 23,24 The degree of pulmonary artery stenosis was and the right ventricular outflow tract was tested.…”