High-pitch dual-source CT angiography of the whole aorta without ECG synchronisation: initial experience

Publication

High-pitch dual-source CT angiography of the whole aorta without ECG synchronisation: initial experience

Journal Paper/Review - Sep 14, 2011

Beeres Martin, Jacobi Volkmar, Vogl Thomas J, Zangos Stephan, Bodelle Boris, Siebenhandl Petra, Lee Clara, Gruber-Rouh Tatjana, Kerl Josef Matthias, Herrmann Eva, Mastragelopoulos Aristidis, Schell Boris, Bauer Ralf

Citation

Beeres M, Jacobi V, Vogl T, Zangos S, Bodelle B, Siebenhandl P, Lee C, Gruber-Rouh T, Kerl J, Herrmann E, Mastragelopoulos A, Schell B, Bauer R. High-pitch dual-source CT angiography of the whole aorta without ECG synchronisation: initial experience. Eur Radiol 2011; 22:129-37.

Type

Journal Paper/Review (English)

Journal

Eur Radiol 2011; 22

Publication Date

Sep 14, 2011

Issn Electronic

1432-1084

Pages

129-37

Brief description/objective

OBJECTIVE
To investigate the feasibility, image quality and radiation dose for high-pitch dual-source CT angiography (CTA) of the whole aorta without ECG synchronisation.

METHODS
Each group of 40 patients underwent CTA either on a 16-slice (group 1) or dual-source CT device with conventional single-source (group 2) or high-pitch mode with a pitch of 3.0 (group 3). The presence of motion or stair-step artefacts of the thoracic aorta was independently assessed by two readers.

RESULTS
Subjective and objective scoring of motion and artefacts were significantly reduced in the high-pitch examination protocol (p < 0.05). The imaging length was not significantly different, but the imaging time was significantly (p < 0.001) shorter in the high-pitch group (12.2 vs. 7.4 vs. 1.7 s for groups 1, 2 and 3). The ascending aorta and the coronary ostia were reliably evaluable in all patients of group 3 without motion artefacts as well.

CONCLUSION
High-pitch dual-source CT angiography of the whole aorta is feasible in unselected patients. As a significant advantage over regular pitch protocols, motion-free imaging of the aorta is possible without ECG synchronisation. Thus, this CT mode bears potential to become a standard CT protocol before trans-catheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).