A Novel Model to Test Accuracy and Reproducibility of MDCT Scan Protocols for Coronary Calcium in Vivo

Abstract

At high heart rates prospective ECG triggered image reconstruction is more accurate and reproducible for CAC scoring than retrospective ECG gated reconstruction and non-gated reconstruction.

Phantom-calibrated versus automatic coronary artery mass quantification with multidetector-row computed tomography: in vitro and in vivo study

“…Dual-source computed tomography may also have the potential to improve the reproducibility of calcium measurement by reducing the negative influence of cardiac motion, especially for thinner slices (23). The possible advantage of spiral over sequential acquisition on calcium scoring error is still being discussed (15,20,21), but sequential scanning with ECG triggering is recommended due to significant radiation dose reduction (21). In our in vitro study, calibrated calcium mass measurement with ECG-triggered sequential scanning resulted in a relatively low error of 3.2% for total phantom calcium mass, underestimating the actual value.…”

Considerations in Calcium Scoring Using Multi‐Detector Computed Tomography

“…A big advantage of MDCT compared the EBT is that MDCT offers the possibility of overlapping scans through spiral scanning. Spiral overlapping scanning reduces the variability of calcium score compared with sequential scanning, although sequential scanning is associated with a lower patient dose (21). The patient dose is also dependent on the tube voltage and tube current.…”

Significant Coronary Calcification Detected Using Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography

“…Ultrafast CT is widely available and easy to perform with accurate reproducible methods for measuring CAC. 14 Fluoroscopy has proven to be less sensitive than CT in detecting coronary calcification and in accurately localizing the calcifications to vessel territories. 12 Previous studies evaluating the significance of CAC were performed using either cardiac gated CT of the heart or conventional noncontrast-enhanced CT. [15][16][17] This study is a pilot study to evaluate the significance of visualized CAC, using contrast-enhanced chest CT scans in relation to the finding of myocardial perfusion abnormalities, using stress myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI).…”