TITLE:
Evaluation of the Optimal Image Reconstruction Interval for Noninvasive Coronary 64-Slice Computed Tomography Venography
AUTHORS:
Yasutoshi Ohta, Shinya Fujii, Suguru Kakite, Einosuke Mizuta, Masayuki Hashimoto, Toshio Kaminou, Toshihide Ogawa
KEYWORDS:
CT; Coronary; Vein; Reconstruction; Styling
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Radiology,
Vol.3 No.2,
June
17,
2013
ABSTRACT: Objective: We investigated the appropriate reconstruction interval required to
generate optimal quality images of the coronary veins and to evaluate the size
of each vein at the systolic and diastolic phases using coronary computed tomography
(CT) venography. Methods: Coronary
CT venograms obtained from 30 patients using 64-slice CT were reconstructed
at 0% to 90% of the cardiac cycle in 10% increments. Two radiologists assessed
the image quality of the anterior interventricular vein (AIV), the great
cardiac vein (GCV), the posterior vein of the left ventricle (PVLV), the posterior
interventricular vein (PIV), the coronary sinus (CS) and the small cardiac vein
(SCV). We determined the sizes of measurable CS (n = 16) and GCV (n = 12) at
the end systolic and mid diastolic phases. Results: The most appropriate reconstruction point for all coronary veins turned out to
be at the mid-diastolic phase. The size of the CS and GCV was greater at a 30%
than that at a 70% R-R interval (p Conclusions: Image quality was optimal at the mid-diastolic
phase for each coronary vein, but the sizes of the coronary veins varied during
the cardiac cycle. The cardiac cycle must be considered when measuring the
sizes of cardiac veins.