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Prospective ECG-triggered sequential versus retrospective ECG-gated spiral CT: Pros and cons

Abstract

Advancement of multidetector CT makes it possible to visualize the coronary arteries, as well as ventricular and valvular motion. However, the necessary radiation dose is higher than that associated with x-ray coronary angiography. Recently introduced prospective electrocardiograph (ECG)-triggered CT angiography (CTA), using conventional axial scan, can markedly reduce the radiation dose, while maintaining diagnostic performance, when appropriately applied in selected patients. The prospective ECG-triggered CTA is technically feasible in patients with low and stable heart rate. The indication for the CT examination should be exclusion of obstructive coronary disease, rather than analysis of ventricular and valvular function. The technique is most beneficial for young patients, especially young women, who are at low risk for significant coronary artery disease and for whom radiation dose is of great concern.

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Correspondence to Jun Horiguchi.

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Horiguchi, J., Yamamoto, H., Kihara, Y. et al. Prospective ECG-triggered sequential versus retrospective ECG-gated spiral CT: Pros and cons. curr cardiovasc imaging rep 2, 447–454 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12410-009-0056-z

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Keywords

  • Conventional Coronary Angiography
  • Cardiac Phase
  • Magnetic Resonance Coronary Angiography
  • Coronary Artery Imaging
  • Lifetime Attributable Risk