Coronary Artery Fistulae A coronary artery fistula (CAF) is a solitary communication between a coronary artery and one of any of the following: cardiac chambers or arterial venous, coronary venous, or pulmonary arterial conduits—that is, a disorder of coronary artery…
A wide range of coronary artery anomalies have been described, reflecting the many permutations of abnormalities of the following anatomic details: □ The location of the ostium: Which sinus of Valsalva Where in the sinus of Valsalva Ascending aorta The…
Coronary Bypass Graft Assessment Coronary bypass grafts, both venous and arterial, are more readily evaluated by CT angiography (CTA) than are coronary arteries, because of: □ Their large diameter (more so for venous than arterial conduits) □ Their minimal motion,…
CCT Imaging of Coronary Stents The accurate assessment of coronary stents remains a major challenge for cardiac CT (CCT), and although the stent itself is readily imaged, the lumen within it is not, because the stent material confers “blooming” artifact.…
ACC/AHA 17-Segment Coronary Model Comparative studies of coronary CT angiography (CTA) versus angiographic quantitative coronary analysis (QCA) assessment of coronary anatomy usually are performed comparing the presence or absence of angiographically significant stenosis (>50%) among the “17-segment model” of coronary…
All forms of imaging are subject to artifacts, and proficiency with artifact recognition and suppression is critical for best practice of any form of imaging, including cardiovascular CT (CVCT). In terms of diagnostic imaging, what sets the heart apart from…
Optimal Enhancement Vascular and cardiac blood pool contrast enhancement is determined by the interaction of iodine administration and blood flow. The goals of contrast administration are: □ Adequate opacification of cavities and vessel lumen □ Avoidance of both under- and…
Context and Perspective Although the risk per single CT scan is small, given the enormous numbers of CT scans performed, this risk is neither small nor dismissible. Approximately 60 to 65 million CT scans of all types were performed in…
Overview of the Process Pre-Scanning Issues Study Issues □ Review the case history. □ Establish: The primary indication for the study Other indications for the study Contraindications to the study The appropriateness of CT versus other alternative modalities for the…