Imaging protocols for cardiac CT

Abstract

The incorporation of multiple detectors into spiral computed tomography (CT) scanners has expanded the clinical role of CT in cardiac imaging, including coronary CT angiography (CTA). Advances in both the speed at which the X-ray source rotates and the number of detectors have improved the ability of CT to resolve smaller anatomic detail and have enabled imaging of the native coronary arterial tree. At present, and for at least the near future, CT is the most robust modality to noninvasively image the coronary arteries. CTA contributes largely to cardiovascular diagnoses, but one of the most important and one of the most promising contributions is its high negative predictive value for coronary artery disease (CAD). That is, using the protocol detailed in this chapter, CAD can be reliably excluded in minutes without arterial catheterization. Moreover, in a single CT acquisition, native coronary imaging can be extended to include the beating myocardium, valve motion, ventricular outflow tracks, and coronary bypass grafts. In this chapter, in addition to detailing a basic cardiac imaging protocol, examples of examinations are illustrated. © 2008 Springer-Verlag Milan.