Coronary computed tomography angiography using model-based iterative reconstruction algorithms in the detection of significant coronary stenosis: how the plaque type influences the diagnostic performance

• Published in: Polish journal of radiology Vol. 84; pp. 522 - 529
• Main Authors: Vizzuso, Antonio, Righi, Riccardo, Carnevale, Aldo, Zerbini, Michela, Benea, Giorgio, Giganti, Melchiore
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Poland Termedia Publishing House 2019
• Subjects: Original Paper; coronary artery disease; coronary CT angiography; multidetector computed tomography
• ISSN: 1899-0967; 1733-134X; 1899-0967
• DOI: 10.5114/pjr.2019.91259

To evaluate the ability of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) with model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR) algorithm in detecting significant coronary artery stenosis compared with invasive coronary angiography (ICA). We retrospectively identified 55 patients who underwent CCTA using the MBIR algorithm with evidence of at least one significant stenosis (≥ 50%) and an ICA within three months. Patients were stratified based on calcium score; stenoses were classified by type and by coronary segment involved. Dose-length-product was compared with the literature data obtained with previous reconstruction algorithms. Coronary artery stenosis was estimated on ICAs based on a qualitative method. CCTA data were confirmed by ICA in 89% of subjects, and in 73% and 94% of patients with CS < 400 and ≥ 400, respectively. ICA confirmed 81% of calcific stenoses, 91% of mixed, and 67% of soft plaques. Both the dose exposure of patients with prospective acquisition (34) and the exposure of the whole population were significantly lower than the standard of reference ( < 0.001 and = 0.007). CCTA with MBIR is valuable in detecting significant coronary artery stenosis with a solid reduction of radiation dose. Diagnostic performance was influenced by plaque composition, being lower compared with ICA for patients with lower CAC score and soft plaques; the visualisation of an intraluminal hypodensity could cause false positives, particularly in D1 and MO segments.