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Dual source multidetector CT-angiography before Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) using a high-pitch spiral acquisition mode

  • Cardiac
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Abstract

Objectives

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) is an alternative to surgical valve replacement in high risk patients. Angiography of the aortic root, aorta and iliac arteries is required to select suitable candidates, but contrast agents can be harmful due to impaired renal function. We evaluated ECG-triggered high-pitch spiral dual source Computed Tomography (CT) with minimized volume of contrast agent to assess aortic root anatomy and vascular access.

Methods

42 patients (82 ± 6 years) scheduled for TAVI underwent dual source (DS) CT angiography (CTA) of the aorta using a prospectively ECG-triggered high-pitch spiral mode (pitch = 3.4) with 40 mL iodinated contrast agent. We analyzed aortic root/iliac dimensions, attenuation, contrast to noise ratio (CNR), image noise and radiation exposure.

Results

Aortic root/iliac dimensions and distance of coronary ostia from the annulus could be determined in all cases. Mean aortic and iliac artery attenuation was 320 ± 70 HU and 340 ± 77 HU. Aortic/iliac CNR was 21.7 ± 6.8 HU and 14.5 ± 5.4 HU using 100 kV (18.8 ± 4.1 HU and 8.7 ± 2.6 HU using 120 kV). Mean effective dose was 4.5 ± 1.2 mSv.

Conclusions

High-pitch spiral DSCTA can be used to assess the entire aorta and iliac arteries in TAVI candidates with a low volume of contrast agent while preserving diagnostic image quality.

Key Points

• Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) offers an alternative to surgical valve replacement in high risk patients.

• Such procedures require essential information about aortic root anatomy and vascular access.

• High pitch ECG-triggered dual source Computed Tomography (CT) can provide this information

• Sufficient image quality can be maintained even with low volumes of contrast agent and reduced x-ray exposure.

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Acknowledgements

Prof. Achenbach received research grants from Siemens and Bayer, Speaker Honoraria by Siemens and works as a Consultant for Siemens.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, University of Erlangen, Maximiliansplatz 1, 91054, Erlangen, Germany

    W. Wuest, K. Anders, M. S. May & M. Uder

  2. Department of Cardiology, University of Erlangen, Ulmenweg 18, 91054, Erlangen, Germany

    A. Schuhbaeck, S. Gauss, M. Marwan, M. Arnold, G. Muschiol, W. G. Daniel & S. Achenbach

  3. Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Erlangen, Krankenhausstrasse 12, 91054, Erlangen, Germany

    S. Ensminger

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  1. W. Wuest
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  2. K. Anders
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Correspondence to K. Anders.

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Wuest, W., Anders, K., Schuhbaeck, A. et al. Dual source multidetector CT-angiography before Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) using a high-pitch spiral acquisition mode. Eur Radiol 22, 51–58 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-011-2233-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-011-2233-0

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