Multi-detector row computed tomography: imaging the coronary arteries

Clin Radiol. 2005 Sep;60(9):939-52. doi: 10.1016/j.crad.2005.05.006.

Abstract

Over the last 2 years, multi-detector row computed tomographic (MDCT) cardiac imaging has continued to rapidly develop and evolve from the experimental research setting to become a useful clinical tool. The increasing availability of MDCT presents today's clinicians with an additional non-invasive diagnostic cardiac imaging method, in particular for the coronary arteries. With the advent and increasing clinical use of 16-detector row machines, and now with the imminent clinical emergence of 64-channel machines, the improvements in spatial and temporal resolution and sophisticated ECG-gating are allowing motion-free, fast, accurate, detailed, contrast-enhanced cardiac imaging that begins to approach the accuracy of traditional invasive diagnostic techniques. Additional diagnostic information may also be provided.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Coronary Angiography / instrumentation
  • Coronary Angiography / methods*
  • Coronary Disease / diagnostic imaging*
  • Coronary Vessel Anomalies / diagnostic imaging
  • Electrocardiography
  • Humans
  • Radiographic Image Enhancement
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / instrumentation
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*