Evaluation of the Optimal Image Reconstruction Interval for Noninvasive Coronary 64-Slice Computed Tomography Venography

Yasutoshi Ohta, Shinya Fujii, Suguru Kakite, Einosuke Mizuta, Masayuki Hashimoto, Toshio Kaminou, Toshihide Ogawa

Division of Cardiology, Sanin Rosai Hospital, Yonago City, Japan.
Division of Radiology, Department of Pathophysiological Therapeutic Science, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago City, Japan.
Division of Radiology, Tottori Prefecture Kousei Hospital, Kurayoshi City, Japan.

DOI: 10.4236/ojrad.2013.32010                

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 < 0.01). 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.

Keywords

CT; Coronary; Vein; Reconstruction; Styling

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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