Clinical Applications of Wide-Detector CT Scanners for Cardiothoracic Imaging: An Update
- Author:
Eun Ju KANG
1
Author Information
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords: Multidetector computed tomography; Wide-area detector; Coronary artery disease; Imaging; Technology
- MeSH: Angiography; Artifacts; Coronary Artery Disease; Heart; Multidetector Computed Tomography; Perfusion Imaging
- From:Korean Journal of Radiology 2019;20(12):1583-1596
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: Technical developments in multidetector computed tomography (CT) have increased the number of detector rows on the z-axis, and 16-cm wide-area-coverage CT scanners have enabled volumetric scanning of the entire heart. Beyond coronary arterial imaging, such innovations offer several advantages during clinical imaging in the cardiothoracic area. The wide-detector CT scanner markedly reduces the image acquisition time to less than 1 second for coronary CT angiography, thereby decreasing the volume of contrast material and radiation dose required for the examination. It also eliminates stair-step artifacts, allowing robust improvements in myocardial function and perfusion imaging. Additionally, new imaging techniques for the cardiothoracic area, including subtraction imaging and free-breathing scans, have been developed and further improved by using the wide-detector CT scanner. This article investigates the technical developments in wide-detector CT scanners, summarizes their clinical applications in the cardiothoracic area, and provides a review of the recent literature.
