Abstract 2758: Image Quality of Coronary CT Angiography in 256-slice CT

Abstract

Background: Recent technological advancements have allowed the development of a 256-slice multislice computed tomography (CT) system. In the present this study, we evaluated the image quality of 256-slice CT in coronary CT Angiography (CTA) and compared with 64-slice CT .

Methods: Coronary CTA was performed in 25 patients using a prototype CT scanner with a 256-slice detector, 0.5-mm slices thickness, and 0.5 sec. rotation speed. Images were reconstructed by ECG-gated segment reconstruction method using 2 or 3 beats. Motion artifact and continuity of coronary arteries were graded from score 0 (poor) to score 3 (excellent) in RCA, LAD, LCX by visual inspection, and compared with coronary CTA images obtained by 64-slice CT in 67 patients. Images were assessed by 1 cardiologist and 2 radiologists.

Results: Due to the shorter scan times less than 3 cardiac cycles, excellent images could be obtained by 256-slice CT. The images showed no banding artifacts because helical scan was unnecessary, resulting in smooth continuity ( RCA: 3.0vs2.5, p<0.0001, LAD: 3.0vs2.6, p<0.0001, LCX: 3.0vs2.7, p<0.0001 ) and motion artifact ( RCA: 2.7vs2.4, p=0.0009, LAD: 2.9vs2.5, p<0.0001, LCX: 2.9vs2.6, p=0.0010 ) of the coronary arteries compared with 64-slice CT.

Conclusions: Coronary CTA using 256-slice CT with 0.5sec of rotation speed provides better images quality with excellent continuity and less motion artifact than 64-slice CT.