Image quality in a standardized algorithm for minimally invasive coronary angiography with multislice spiral computed tomography.

Purpose: To report our experience with a standardized approach to pharmacologic heart rate control and image postprocessing for computed tomographic coronary angiography (CTCA) with multislice computed tomography (MSCT).

Method: Two experienced observers used transaxial tomograms and maximum-intensity projections to classify coronary segments (12 per patient, 135 consecutive patients) for degree of stenosis. One factor affecting image quality was identified for each segment that could not be assessed.

Current results and new developments of coronary angiography with use of contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the heart.

Electron beam computed tomography (EBCT) is the reference standard for x-ray-based tomographic imaging of the heart because of its high temporal resolution, but it is available in only a few centers. Quantification of coronary calcium is the most widely recognized use of EBCT for cardiac imaging. This technique requires no contrast media and provides an accurate assessment of overall plaque burden in the coronary tree; however, it does not directly identify or localize coronary stenoses.