Affiliations: Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington
University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
Note: [] Corresponding author: Dr. Cheng Hong, Mallinckrodt Institute of
Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Campus Box 8131, 510 South
Kingshighway Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA. Tel.: +1 314 362 6965; Fax:
+1 314 362 6971; E-mail: chengh@mir.wustl.edu
Abstract: Multislice computed tomography (MSCT) is an emerging technique which
has an enormous potential to improve the current practice of coronary artery
imaging. This article reviews the current status of coronary MSCT angiography
(MSCTA) with emphasis on the imaging techniques and clinical utilities of
16-slice CTA. Results and experiences gained from coronary MSCTA in the past
few years have taught us that accurate diagnosis of coronary artery disease
relies on good technical studies and can be achieved by optimizing image
parameters including image timing and image reconstruction ECG-trigger delay.
Current clinical applications of coronary MSCTA include: quantitative
assessment of coronary artery stenosis, characterization of coronary
atherosclerotic plaques, and follow-up of coronary artery stent and bypass
graft. Furthermore, MSCT has brought an increasing awareness to the amount of
radiation used in CT. This has prompted CT researchers and manufacturers to
improve various techniques and develop new strategies to reduce radiation dose.
It is anticipated that MSCT will become a sensitive and accurate tool for
detecting coronary artery disease and monitoring outcomes after treatment for
coronary artery disease.
