Image quality of 256-multidetector computed tomography in patients with atrial fibrillation: an initial experience

The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the quality of 256-MDCT images obtained in patients with AF and in a control group of patients in sinus rhythm. Two reviewers were blinded to the patient groups and evaluated images of 15 coronary artery segments for each patient using 256-MDCT. The images were scored subjectively as 1 or 2, meaning of diagnostic quality, or 3, meaning poor quality. The effective doses of all patients were calculated. No statistical difference between the groups was noted in patient age (P = 0.318). The heart rates were 74.1 ± 8.5 (SD) and 66.4 ± 7.5 (SD) beats per minute in the AF group and control group, respectively, with significant difference (P = 0.004). Scores of 1 and 2 (diagnostic quality) were both assigned to 100% in sinus rhythm and AF. The overall mean image quality score for all three coronary arteries in AF was 1.12 ± 0.32 (SD) and 1.10 ± 0.28 (SD) in sinus rhythm, without significant difference (P = 0.278). The mean effective dose was 3.41 ± 1.23 (SD) and 1.91 ± 0.85 (SD) mSv in the AF and sinus rhythm groups, respectively. The analysis of our initial experience shows that the quality of all images obtained through 256-MDCT in AF patients meets the demands of diagnosis.
Source: European Journal of Heart Failure Supplements - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: Articles Source Type: research