[First experiences with electron beam computed tomography of the heart:comparison with heart catheterization and echocardiographic findings].

Aim: To evaluate the diagnostic value of ultrafast CT in comparison to established methods in cardiology.

Material And Methods: Cine and flow studies were performed in 30 patients with cardiac diseases on evolution CT. Cardiac structure and function were analysed visually and quantitatively (left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular myocardial mass, patency of coronary arteries, perfusion of left ventricular myocardium). The CT findings were compared with echocardiographic and angiographic findings.

Results: Cardiac structure, functional parameters and disorders of myocardial contraction were clearly detectable by ultrafast CT, which proved inferior in assessing cardiac valves. The patency of the first and second third of normal main coronary arteries could be estimated correctly. The estimation of the distal third, of obstructed coronary arteries and of the role of collaterals was impossible. Ten of 16 areas of myocardial infarction showed low or no enhancement.

Conclusions: Ultrafast CT excellently reflects cardiac structure and function. It is an alternative to echocardiography. In view of the results of coronary artery patency one can hope that part of cardiac catheterisation would be avoidable in future.