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Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate image quality with filtered back projection (FBP) and adaptive iterative dose reduction 3D (AIDR 3D)., Materials and Methods: Phantom acquisitions were performed at six dose levels to assess spatial resolution, noise, and low-contrast detectability (LCD). Spatial resolution was assessed with the modulation transfer function at high and low contrast levels. Noise power spectrum and SD of attenuation were assessed. LCD was calculated with a mathematic model observer applied to phantom CT images. The subjective image quality of clinical CT scans was assessed by five radiologists., Results: Compared with FBP, AIDR 3D resulted in substantial noise reduction at all frequencies with a similar shape of the noise power spectrum. Spatial resolution was similar for AIDR 3D and FBP. LCD improved with AIDR 3D, which was associated with a potential average dose reduction of 36% (range, 9-86%). The observer study showed that overall image quality improved and artifacts decreased with AIDR 3D., Conclusion: AIDR 3D performs better than FBP with regard to noise and LCD, resulting in better image quality, and performs similarly with respect to spatial resolution. The evaluation of image quality of clinical CT scans was consistent with the objective assessment of image quality with a phantom. The amount of dose reduction should be investigated for each clinical indication in studies with larger numbers of patients.

Objective: To study the changes over time in biventricular size and function, and clinical parameters in patients after repair of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) without subsequent pulmonary valve replacement (PVR)., Methods: We prospectively included 78 non-PVR patients (age 20(6-60)years at baseline), who were studied twice with a 5-year interval. Patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging for assessment of biventricular size and function. Exercise testing and electrocardiography were performed to determine peak oxygen uptake (peak VO2) and QRS duration. N-terminal prohormone brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) was assessed additionally., Results: Pulmonary regurgitation (PR), right ventricular (RV) volumes and QRS duration increased during 5-year follow-up (RV end-diastolic volume (EDV) 130 ± 30 ml/m(2) to 138 ± 34 ml/m(2); QRS 132 ± 27 msec to 139 ± 27 msec); peak VO2 decreased (96 ± 19% to 91 ± 17%). RV ejection fraction, RV effective stroke volume (eff.SV), and NT-proBNP levels remained unchanged. The slope of RVEDV increase was 1.6 ± 3.0 ml/m(2)/year, and depended on RVeff.SV, not on RVEDV, at baseline. Increase in RVEDV correlated with increase in QRS duration over time (r=0.28, p=0.016), and with decrease in RV mass/EDV ratio over time (r=-0.42, p<0.001), not with decrease in peak VO2. In subgroup analysis, patients with larger RVs at baseline showed larger increase in PR during follow-up and larger decrease in NYHA class over time., Conclusions: In TOF patients with moderate RV dilatation, RVEDV increased by 1.6 ± 3.0 ml/m(2)/year, irrespective of RV size at baseline, but depended on RVeff.SV at baseline. Despite limited progression in RV size, unfavourable changes occurred during 5 years follow-up, which suggests there is a need for close follow-up., (© 2013.)

Background: In patients with Marfan syndrome (MFS), increased aortic wall stiffening may lead to progressive aortic dilatation. Aortic Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV), a marker of wall stiffness can be assessed regionally, using in-plane multi-directional velocity-encoded MRI. This study examined the diagnostic accuracy of regional PWV for prediction of regional aortic luminal growth during 2-year follow-up in MFS patients., Methods: In twenty-one MFS patients (mean age 36 ± 15 years, 11 male) regional PWV and aortic luminal areas were assessed by 1.5 T MRI. At 2-year follow-up, the incidence of luminal growth, defined as mean luminal diameter increase >2mm was determined for five aortic segments (S1, ascending aorta; S2, aortic arch; S3, thoracic descending aorta, S4, supra-renal and S5, infra-renal abdominal aorta). Regional PWV at baseline was considered increased when exceeding age-related normal PWV (healthy volunteers (n=26; mean age 30 ± 10 years, 15 male)) by two standard-errors. Sensitivity and specificity of regional PWV-testing for prediction of regional luminal growth were determined., Results: Regional PWV at baseline was increased in 17 out of 102 segments (17%). Significant luminal growth at follow-up was reported in 14 segments (14%). The specificity of regional PWV-testing was ≥ 78% for all aortic segments, sensitivity was ≤ 33%., Conclusions: Regional PWV was significantly increased in MFS patients as compared to healthy volunteers within similar age range, in all aortic segments except the ascending aorta. Furthermore, regional PWV-assessment has moderate to high specificity for predicting absence of regional aortic luminal growth for all aortic segments in MFS patients., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The clinical significance of subsegmental pulmonary embolism (SSPE) remains to be determined. This study aimed to investigate whether SSPE forms a distinct subset of thromboembolic disease compared with more proximally located pulmonary embolism (PE). We analyzed 3728 consecutive patients with clinically suspected PE. SSPE patients were contrasted to patients with more proximal PE and to patients in whom suspected PE was ruled out, in regards of the prevalence of thromboembolic risk factors and the 3-month risks of recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) and mortality. PE was confirmed in 748 patients, of whom 116 (16%) had SSPE; PE was ruled out in 2980 patients. No differences were seen in the prevalence of VTE risk factors, the 3-month risk of recurrent VTE (3.6% vs 2.5%; P = .42), and mortality (10.7% vs 6.5%; P = .17) between patients with SSPE and those with more proximal PE. When compared with patients without PE, aged >60 years, recent surgery, estrogen use, and male gender were found to be independent predictors for SSPE, and patients with SSPE were at an increased risk of VTE during follow-up (hazard ratio: 3.8; 95% CI: 1.3-11.1). This study indicates that patients with SSPE mimic those with more proximally located PE in regards to their risk profile and clinical outcome.

Purpose: Automated software tools have permitted more comprehensive, robust and reproducible quantification of coronary stenosis, plaque burden and plaque location of coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) data. The association between these quantitative CTA (QCT) parameters and the presence of myocardial ischaemia has not been explored. The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the association between QCT parameters of coronary artery lesions and the presence of myocardial ischaemia on gated myocardial perfusion single-photon emission CT (SPECT)., Methods: Included in the study were 40 patients (mean age 58.2 ± 10.9 years, 27 men) with known or suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) who had undergone multidetector row CTA and gated myocardial perfusion SPECT within 6 months. From the CTA datasets, vessel-based and lesion-based visual analyses were performed. Consecutively, lesion-based QCT was performed to assess plaque length, plaque burden, percentage lumen area stenosis and remodelling index. Subsequently, the presence of myocardial ischaemia was assessed using the summed difference score (SDS ≥2) on gated myocardial perfusion SPECT., Results: Myocardial ischaemia was seen in 25 patients (62.5%) in 37 vascular territories. Quantitatively assessed significant stenosis and quantitatively assessed lesion length were independently associated with myocardial ischaemia (OR 7.72, 95% CI 2.41-24.7, p < 0.001, and OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.00-1.45, p = 0.032, respectively) after correcting for clinical variables and visually assessed significant stenosis. The addition of quantitatively assessed significant stenosis (χ(2) = 20.7) and lesion length (χ(2) = 26.0) to the clinical variables and the visual assessment (χ(2) = 5.9) had incremental value in the association with myocardial ischaemia., Conclusion: Coronary lesion length and quantitatively assessed significant stenosis were independently associated with myocardial ischaemia. Both quantitative parameters have incremental value over baseline variables and visually assessed significant stenosis. Potentially, QCT can refine assessment of CAD, which may be of potential use for identification of patients with myocardial ischaemia.

Background: Splenic injury is normally associated with trauma, but spontaneous splenic rupture has been described in various systemic diseases., Case Presentation: A 56-year-old male on oral anticoagulation presented to the emergency department with epigastric pain, nausea, and left upper quadrant tenderness. There was no history of trauma. Contrast-enhanced CT imaging revealed a large subcapsular haematoma of the spleen. Oral anticoagulation was antagonised with vitamin K and the patient was discharged in good condition after 3 days of clinical observation., Conclusion: Non-traumatic splenic rupture is a rare complication of oral anticoagulation.

Background: There has been debate over how patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) can be safely selected for outpatient treatment., Objectives: To compare the Hestia criteria with the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) criteria for selecting low-risk patients with PE for outpatient treatment., Methods: From 2008 to 2010, 496 patients with acute, symptomatic PE were screened and 275 treated at home and 221 treated in the hospital according to the Hestia Study protocol. The Hestia criteria were used to select patients for outpatient treatment. Right and left ventricular (RV and LV) diameters were measured on computed tomography images. RV dysfunction was defined as an RV/LV ratio > 1.0. Patients were classified according to the ESC criteria into low, intermediate and high-risk groups, based on blood pressure and RV dysfunction. During 3 months follow-up adverse events were scored., Results: Adverse events occurred in 22 patients (4.5%) treated in the hospital vs. none of the patients treated at home (P < 0.001). Sensitivity and negative predictive value for adverse outcome were 100% for the Hestia criteria and 96% and 99% for the ESC criteria, respectively. Of the patients treated at home according to the Hestia criteria, 35% were normotensive but had RV dysfunction and were classified as intermediate risk according to the ESC criteria. No adverse events happened in these patients treated at home., Conclusions: Clinical criteria, such as the Hestia criteria, could be helpful in selecting patients, including those with RV dysfunction who have a low risk of adverse clinical outcome and could be candidates for outpatient treatment., (© 2013 International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis.)

Purpose: In diabetes, generalised microvascular disease and coronary artery disease (CAD) are likely to occur in parallel. We used a sidestream dark field (SDF) handheld imaging device to determine the relation between the labial microcirculation parameters and CAD in asymptomatic patients with diabetes., Methods: SDF imaging was validated for assessment of labial capillary density and tortuosity. Thereafter, mean labial capillary density and tortuosity were evaluated and compared in non-diabetic controls, and in asymptomatic patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. In diabetic patients, mean capillary density and tortuosity were compared according to the presence of CAD., Results: Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes were associated with increased capillary density and tortuosity. In diabetes, mean capillary density was an independent predictor of elevated coronary artery calcium (CAC) (p = 0.03) and obstructive CAD on computed tomography angiography (p = 0.01). Using a cut-off mean capillary density of 24.9 (per 0.63 mm(2)) the negative predictive value was 84% and 89% for elevated CAC and obstructive CAD. Likewise, capillary tortuosity was an independent predictor of increased CAC (p = 0.01) and obstructive CAD (p = 0.04)., Conclusion: Assessment of labial microcirculation parameters using SDF imaging is feasible and conveys the potential to estimate vascular morbidity in patients with diabetes, at bedside.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate associations between aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) and aortic and carotid vessel wall thickness (VWT) using cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with hypertension as compared with healthy adult volunteers., Materials and Methods: Local medical ethics approval was obtained and the participants gave informed consent. Fifteen patients with hypertension (5 men and 10 women; mean [SD] age, 49 [14] years) and 15 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers were prospectively included and compared. All participants underwent MRI examination for measuring aortic and carotid VWT and aortic PWV with well-validated MRI techniques at 1.5- and 3-T MRI systems: PWV was assessed from velocity-encoded MRI and VWT was assessed by using dual-inversion black-blood gradient-echo imaging techniques. Paired t tests were used for testing differences between the volunteers and the patients and Pearson correlation (r) and univariable and multivariable stepwise linear regression analyses were used to test associations between aortic and carotid arterial wall thickness and stiffness., Results: Mean values for aortic PWV and aortic and carotid VWT (indexed for body surface area [BSA]) were all significantly higher in patients with hypertension as compared with the healthy volunteers (ie, aortic PWV, 7.0 ± 1.4 m/s vs 5.7 ± 1.3 m/s; aortic VWT/BSA, 0.12 ± 0.03 mL/m vs 0.10 ± 0.03 mL/m; carotid VWT/BSA, 0.04 ± 0.01 mL/m vs 0.03 ± 0.01 mL/m; all P < 0.01). Aortic PWV was highly correlated with aortic VWT/BSA (r = 0.76 and P = 0.002 in the patients vs r = 0.63 and P = 0.02 in the volunteers), and in the patients, aortic PWV was moderately correlated with carotid VWT/BSA (r = 0.50; P = 0.04). In the volunteers, correlation between aortic PWV and carotid VWT/BSA was not significant (r = 0.40; P = 0.13). In addition, aortic VWT/BSA was significantly correlated with carotid VWT/BSA, in both the patients (r = 0.60; P = 0.005) and volunteers (r = 0.57; P = 0.007)., Conclusions: In the patients with hypertension and the healthy volunteers, the aortic PWV is associated more strongly with aortic wall thickness than with carotid wall thickness, reflecting site-specific coupling between vascular wall thickness and function.

To evaluate the effect of radiation dose reduction on image quality and diagnostic accuracy of coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography. Coronary CT angiography studies of 40 patients with (n = 20) and without (n = 20) significant (≥50 %) stenosis were included (26 male, 14 female, 57 ± 11 years). In addition to the original clinical reconstruction (100 % dose), simulated images were created that correspond to 50, 25 and 12.5 % of the original dose. Image quality and diagnostic performance in identifying significant stenosis were determined. Receiver-operator-characteristics analysis was used to assess diagnostic accuracy at different dose levels. The identification of patients with significant stenosis decreased consistently at doses of 50, 25 and 12.5 of the regular clinical acquisition (100 %). The effect was relatively weak at 50 % dose, and was strong at dose levels of 25 and 12.5 %. At lower doses a steady increase was observed for false negative findings. The number of coronary artery segments that were rated as diagnostic decreased gradually with dose, this was most prominent for smaller segments. The area-under-the-curve (AUC) was 0.90 (p = 0.4) at 50 % dose; accuracy decreased significantly with 25 % (AUC 0.70) and 12.5 % dose (AUC 0.60) (p < 0.0001), with underestimation of patients having significant stenosis. The clinical acquisition protocol for evaluation of coronary artery stenosis with CT angiography represents a good balance between image quality and patient dose. A potential for a modest (<50 %) reduction of tube current might exist. However, more substantial reduction of tube current will reduce diagnostic performance of coronary CT angiography substantially.

We present 3 patients with 4 causes of mediastinal fluid collection after congenital cardiac surgery in this extended case report. Volumetric computed tomography played an essential role in diagnosing causes and extent, relevant to subsequent management. Recent advances in volumetric computed tomography allow fast and accurate imaging of cardiovascular and extravascular structures in children with acceptable radiation dose, providing a powerful imaging tool for the evaluation of complications after congenital cardiac surgery.

To determine the rate of subsequent invasive coronary angiography (ICA) and revascularization in relation to computed tomography coronary angiography (CTA) results. In addition, independent determinants of subsequent ICA and revascularization were evaluated. CTA studies were performed using a 64-row (n = 413) or 320-row (n = 224) multidetector scanner. The presence and severity of CAD were determined on CTA. Following CTA, patients were followed up for 1 year for the occurrence of ICA and revascularization. A total of 637 patients (296 male, 56 ± 12 years) were enrolled and 578 CTA investigations were available for analysis. In patients with significant CAD on CTA, subsequent ICA rate was 76%. Among patients with non-significant CAD on CTA, subsequent ICA rate was 20% and among patients with normal CTA results, subsequent ICA rate was 5.7% (p < 0.001). Of patients with significant CAD on CTA, revascularization rate was 47%, as compared to a revascularization rate of 0.6% in patients with non-significant CAD on CTA and no revascularizations in patients with a normal CTA results (p < 0.001). Significant CAD on CTA and significant three-vessel or left main disease on CTA were identified as the strongest independent predictors of ICA and revascularization. CTA results are strong and independent determinants of subsequent ICA and revascularization. Consequently, CTA has the potential to serve as a gatekeeper for ICA to identify patients who are most likely to benefit from revascularization and exclude patients who can safely avoid ICA.

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of spatial (ie, number of sampling locations along the aorta) and temporal sampling density on aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) assessment from velocity-encoded MRI in patients with Marfan syndrome (MFS)., Materials and Methods: Twenty-three MFS patients (12 men, mean age 36 ± 14 years) were included. Three PWV-methods were evaluated: 1) reference PWV(i.p.) from in-plane velocity-encoded MRI with dense temporal and spatial sampling; 2) conventional PWV(t.p.) from through-plane velocity-encoded MRI with dense temporal but sparse spatial sampling at three aortic locations; 3) EPI-accelerated PWV(t.p.) with sparse temporal but improved spatial sampling at five aortic locations with acceleration by echo-planar imaging (EPI)., Results: Despite inferior temporal resolution, EPI-accelerated PWV(t.p.) showed stronger correlation (r = 0.92 vs. r = 0.65, P = 0.03) with reference PWV(i.p.) in the total aorta, with less error (8% vs. 16%) and variation (11% vs. 27%) as compared to conventional PWV(t.p.) . In the aortic arch, correlation was comparable for both EPI-accelerated and conventional PWV(t.p.) with reference PWV(i.p.) (r = 0.66 vs. r = 0.67, P = 0.46), albeit 92% scan-time reduction by EPI-acceleration., Conclusion: Improving spatial sampling density by adding two acquisition planes along the aorta results in more accurate PWV assessment, even when temporal resolution decreases. For regional PWV assessment in the aortic arch, EPI-accelerated and conventional PWV assessment are comparably accurate. Scan-time reduction makes EPI-accelerated PWV assessment the preferred method of choice., (Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Multidetector computed tomography angiography (CTA) provides information on plaque extent and stenosis in the coronary wall. More accurate lesion assessment may be feasible with CTA as compared to invasive coronary angiography (ICA). Accordingly, lesion length assessment was compared between ICA and CTA in patients referred for CTA who underwent subsequent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). 89 patients clinically referred for CTA were subsequently referred for ICA and PCI. On CTA, lesion length was measured from the proximal to the distal shoulder of the plaque. Quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) was performed to analyze lesion length. Stent length was recorded for each lesion. In total, 119 lesions were retrospectively identified. Mean lesion length on CTA was 21.4 ± 8.4 mm and on QCA 12.6 ± 6.1 mm. Mean stent length deployed was 17.4 ± 5.3 mm. Lesion length on CTA was significantly longer than on QCA (difference 8.8 ± 6.7 mm, P < 0.001). Moreover, lesion length visualized on CTA was also significantly longer than mean stent length (CTA lesion length-stent length was 4.2 ± 8.7 mm, P < 0.001). Lesion length assessed by CTA is longer than that assessed by ICA. Possibly, CTA provides more accurate lesion length assessment than ICA and may facilitate improved guidance of percutaneous treatment of coronary lesions.

The survival of patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) has greatly improved over the past decades. Nevertheless, lifelong follow-up is required in postoperative CHD patients, and noninvasive imaging plays an important role during follow-up. Cardiac MR (CMR) imaging enables comprehensive imaging of cardiac function and anatomy, and helps to detect patients who need re-intervention and to predict clinical outcome. Postoperative CHD patients who are frequently referred for CMR evaluation include those with coarctation of the aorta, tetralogy of Fallot, transposition of the great arteries, and single ventricle patients after the Fontan procedure. This article reviews the current clinical role of CMR in these various subgroups of postoperative CHD patients. Furthermore, an overview of novel CMR applications and their clinical value in CHD patients is provided., (Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Purpose of Review: With improvements in the quality of computed tomography (CT) examinations, pulmonary embolism is increasingly being detected incidentally in oncology patients undergoing routine cancer staging CT scans. The purpose of this review is to update current evidence on the prognosis of cancer patients diagnosed with incidental pulmonary embolism., Recent Findings: Several recent observational studies have shed some light on the prognostic implications of diagnosing incidental pulmonary embolism in cancer patients. In general, anticoagulant treatment is initiated in these patients. Even during treatment, recurrent venous thromboembolic events may occur with a frequency that is comparable to cancer patients who have symptomatic pulmonary embolism. It has been demonstrated that the diagnosis of incidental pulmonary embolism is associated with adverse survival in cancer patients, and the long-term mortality rate in incidental pulmonary embolism patients seems to approach that of symptomatic pulmonary embolism patients., Summary: Overall, the body of literature on patients with incidental pulmonary embolism is sparse and does not allow firm recommendations on the therapeutic approach to these patients. Yet, in the absence of data on the natural clinical course of these patients, and the presence of cohort studies suggesting that incidental pulmonary embolism may impact recurrent venous thromboembolism and mortality, current consensus is to treat these patients in the same manner as symptomatic patients.

N-terminal pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide (NT-pro-BNP) is primarily secreted by left ventricular (LV) stretch and wall tension. Notably, NT-pro-BNP is a prognostic marker in acute pulmonary embolism (PE), which primarily stresses the right ventricle (RV). We sought to evaluate the relative contribution of the RV to NT-pro-BNP levels during PE. A post-hoc analysis of an observational prospective outcome study in 113 consecutive patients with computed tomography (CT)-proven PE and 226 patients in whom PE was clinically suspected but ruled out by CT. In all patients RV and LV function was established by assessing ECG-triggered-CT measured ventricular end-diastolic-volumes and ejection fraction (EF). NT-pro-BNP was assessed in all patients. The correlation between RV and LV end-diastolic-volumes and systolic function was evaluated by multiple linear regression corrected for known confounders. In the PE cohort increased RVEF (β-coefficient (95% confidence interval [CI]) -0.044 (± -0.011); p<0.001) and higher RV end-diastolic-volume (β-coefficient 0.005 (± 0.001); p<0.001) were significantly correlated to NT-pro-BNP, while no correlation was found with LVEF (β-coefficient 0.005 (± 0.010); p=0.587) and LV end-diastolic-volume (β-coefficient -0.003 (± 0.002); p=0.074). In control patients without PE we found a strong correlation between NT-pro-BNP levels and LVEF (β-coefficient -0.027 (± -0.006); p<0.001) although not LV end-diastolic-volume (β-coefficient 0.001 (± 0.001); p=0.418). RVEF (β-coefficient -0.002 (± -0.006); p=0.802) and RV end-diastolic-volume (β-coefficient <0.001 (± 0.001); p=0.730) were not correlated in patients without PE. In PE patients, lower RVEF and higher RV end-diastolic-volume were significantly correlated to NT-pro-BNP levels as compared to control patients without PE. These observations provide pathophysiological ground for the well-known prognostic value of NT-pro-BNP in acute PE.

Aims: Limited information is available regarding the relationship between coronary vessel dominance and prognosis. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the prognostic value of coronary vessel dominance in relation to significant coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients referred for computed tomography coronary angiography (CTA)., Methods and Results: The study population consisted of 1425 patients (869 men, 57 ± 12 years) referred for CTA. To evaluate the impact of vessel dominance and significant CAD on CTA on outcome, patients were followed during a median period of 24 months for the occurrence of non-fatal myocardial infarction and all-cause mortality. The presence of a left dominant system was identified as a significant predictor for non-fatal myocardial infarction and all-cause mortality (HR: 3.20; 95% CI: 1.67-6.13, P < 0.001) and had incremental value over baseline risk factors and severity of CAD on CTA. In addition, in the subgroup of patients with significant CAD on CTA, patients with a left dominant system had a worse outcome compared with patients with a right dominant system (cumulative event rates: 9.5% and 35% at 3-year follow-up for a right and left dominant coronary artery system, respectively, log-rank P < 0.001)., Conclusions: The presence of a left dominant system was identified as an independent predictor of non-fatal myocardial infarction and all-cause mortality, especially in patients with significant CAD on CTA. Therefore, the assessment of coronary vessel dominance on CTA may further enhance risk stratification beyond the assessment of significant CAD on CTA.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of 320-row computed tomography angiography (CTA) in the identification of significant coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients presenting with acute chest pain and to examine the relation to outcome during follow-up. A total of 106 patients with acute chest pain underwent CTA to evaluate presence of CAD. Each CTA was classified as: normal, non-significant CAD (<50% luminal narrowing) and significant CAD (≥50% luminal narrowing). CTA results were compared with quantitative coronary angiography. After discharge, the following cardiovascular events were recorded: cardiac death, non-fatal infarction, and unstable angina requiring revascularization. Among the 106 patients, 23 patients (22%) had a normal CTA, 19 patients (18%) had non-significant CAD on CTA, 59 patients (55%) had significant CAD on CTA, and 5 patients (5%) had non-diagnostic image quality. In total, 16 patients (15%) were immediately discharged after normal CTA and 90 patients (85%) underwent invasive coronary angiography. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values to detect significant CAD on CTA were 100, 87, 93, and 100%, respectively. During mean follow-up of 13.7 months, no cardiovascular events occurred in patients with a normal CTA examination. In patients with non-significant CAD on CTA, no cardiac death or myocardial infarctions occurred and only 1 patient underwent revascularization due to unstable angina. In patients presenting with acute chest pain, an excellent clinical performance for the non-invasive assessment of significant CAD was demonstrated using CTA. Importantly, normal or non-significant CAD on CTA predicted a low rate of adverse cardiovascular events and favorable outcome during follow-up.

Imaging modalities play an essential role in diagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE). Clinical outcome studies demonstrated that PE can be safely ruled out in patients with unlikely clinical probability in combination with a normal D-dimer test result; in all other patients additional imaging is needed. The aim is to accurately confirm or rule out the diagnosis of PE, after which, if indicated, anticoagulant treatment can be initiated. Various diagnostic tests are available, and this article reviews the different imaging techniques in patients with suspected PE. Computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA) is the imaging test of choice because of its high sensitivity and specificity. Compression ultrasonography and ventilation perfusion scintigraphy are reserved for patients with concomitant suspicion of deep vein thrombosis or contraindication for CTPA. Furthermore the diagnostic process in patients with clinically suspected recurrent PE, PE during pregnancy, and PE in the elderly and in patients with malignancy are discussed., (Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.)

Objectives: In patients with corrected Tetralogy of Fallot (cToF), pulmonary regurgitation and subsequent increased right ventricular (RV) end-diastolic volume are diastolic parameters related to adverse outcome. In addition, abnormalities of the RV outflow tract (RVOT) independently promote RV dilatation in cToF patients. Tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and tissue-velocity magnetic resonance imaging (TV-MRI) enable quantitative assessment of regional diastolic performance by measuring myocardial velocities. Assessment of regional diastolic velocities of the RV may provide insight into the relation between RVOT dysfunction and RV dilatation in cToF patients. The aim of the study was to perform a direct comparison of TV-MRI against TDI to assess regional RV diastolic velocities in cToF patients and control subjects. In addition, the relationship between regional RV diastolic velocities and RV dilatation was investigated., Materials and Methods: Thirty-four cToF patients (8-18 years) and 19 controls were studied. Early (E') and late (A') peak diastolic velocities and E'/A' ratio were assessed with TDI and TV-MRI at the RV free wall and at the RVOT. RV volumes and pulmonary regurgitation were quantified with planimetric and 3-dimensional flow MRI, respectively., Results: Good correlation and agreement were observed between TDI and TV-MRI at both regions of the RV (RV free wall: E': r = 0.92, mean bias: 0.5 cm/s, A': r = 0.92, mean bias: 0.4 cm/s; RVOT: E': r = 0.92, mean bias: -0.3 cm/s, A': r = 0.95, mean bias: 0.03 cm/s). With both imaging techniques, regional RV diastolic velocities were significantly reduced in cToF patients. The E'/A' ratio at the RVOT (assessed with both TDI and TV-MRI) was related to RV end-diastolic volume, even after correction for pulmonary regurgitation (TDI: P < 0.01, TV-MRI: P = 0.05)., Conclusions: TDI and TV-MRI can be used interchangeably for the assessment of regional diastolic velocities and performance of the RV in cToF patients and in healthy controls. Regional diastolic velocities at the RVOT are reduced in cToF patients as compared with controls. In addition to pulmonary regurgitation, impaired diastolic performance at the RVOT is independently related to RV dilatation.

Objective: To evaluate the potential age- and gender-specific differences in the incidence and prognostic value of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients undergoing CT coronary angiography (CTA)., Design and Patients: In this multicentre prospective registry study, 2432 patients (mean age 57 ± 12, 56% male) underwent CTA for suspected CAD. Patients were stratified into four groups according to age <60 or ≥60 years and, male or female gender., Main Outcome Measures: A composite end point of cardiac death and non-fatal myocardial infarction., Results: CTA results were normal in 991 (41%) patients, showed non-significant CAD in 761 (31%) patients and significant CAD in the remaining 680 (28%) patients. During follow-up (median 819 days, 25-75th centile 482-1142) a cardiovascular event occurred in 59 (2.4%) patients. The annualised event rate was 1.1% in the total population (men=1.3% and women=0.9%). In patients aged <60 years, the annualised event rate of male and female patients was 0.6% and 0.5%, respectively. Among patients aged ≥60 years the annualised event rate was 1.9% in male and 1.1% in female patients. Observations on CTA predicted events in male patients, both age <60 and ≥60 years and in female patients age ≥60 years (log-rank test in all groups, p<0.01). However, CTA provided limited prognostic value in female patients aged <60 years (log-rank test, p=0.45)., Conclusions: After age and gender stratification, CTA findings were shown to be of limited predictive value in female patients aged <60 years as compared with male patients at any age and female patients aged ≥60 years.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with cardiovascular (CV) events caused by advanced atherosclerosis. Computed tomographic coronary angiography (CTA) can accurately diagnose coronary artery disease (CAD) and predict CV outcomes. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether moderate CKD provides prognostic information for CV events in patients undergoing CTA. In total 885 patients with suspected CAD underwent CTA and were stratified to moderate CKD (85 patients) or no CKD (770 patients) based on a cut-off estimated glomerular filtration rate of 60 ml/min/1.73 m(2). After 896 days of follow-up, 42 patients developed CV events. Annualized CV event rates were 1.2% in patients with no CKD and no CAD, 2.5% in patients with moderate CKD alone, 2.5% in patients with obstructive CAD alone, and 3.7% in those with moderate CKD and obstructive CAD. Multivariate models demonstrated that moderate CKD (hazard ratio 2.39, confidence interval 1.09 to 5.21, p = 0.03) and obstructive CAD (hazard ratio 2.76, confidence interval 1.40 to 5.44, p <0.01) were independent predictors of CV events. Importantly, moderate CKD provided incremental prognostic information in addition to clinical characteristics and obstructive CAD (chi-square 49.4, p = 0.04). In conclusion, moderate CKD was associated with CV events and provided incremental prognostic information., (Copyright © 2011. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Background: The purpose of the study was to systematically compare calcification patterns in plaques on computed tomography angiography (CTA) with plaque characteristics on intravascular ultrasound with radiofrequency backscatter analysis (IVUS-VH)., Methods and Results: In total, 108 patients underwent CTA and IVUS-VH. On CTA, calcification patterns in plaques were classified as non-calcified, spotty or dense calcifications. Plaques with spotty calcifications were differentiated into small spotty (<1 mm), intermediate spotty (1-3 mm) and large spotty calcifications (≥3 mm). Plaque characteristics deemed more high-risk on IVUS-VH were defined by % necrotic core (NC) and presence of thin cap fibroatheroma (TCFA). Overall, 300 plaques were identified both on CTA and IVUS-VH. % NC core was significantly higher in plaques with small spotty calcifications as compared to non-calcified plaques (20% vs 13%, P = .006). In addition, there was a trend for a higher % NC in plaques with small spotty calcifications than in plaques with intermediate spotty calcifications (20% vs 14%, P = .053). Plaques with small spotty calcifications had the highest % TCFA as compared to large spotty and dense calcifications (31% vs 9% and 31% vs 6%, P < .05)., Conclusion: Plaques with small spotty calcifications on CTA were related to plaque characteristics deemed more high-risk on IVUS-VH. Therefore, CTA may be valuable in the assessment of the vulnerable plaque.

Purpose: To study age-related change in aortic stiffness in patients with Marfan syndrome (MFS) versus healthy volunteers using velocity-encoded (VE) MRI., Materials and Methods: Twenty-five MFS patients (age range, 18-63 years; mean age 36 ± 14 years, 13 men) and 25 age-/gender-matched healthy volunteers were examined with VE-MRI. Aortic stiffness was expressed by pulse wave velocity (PWV), assessed in the proximal and distal part of the aorta and in the total aorta. PWV was compared between patients and volunteers and age-relation was determined by linear regression., Results: PWV was significantly higher in all parts of the aorta in patients when compared with healthy volunteers (proximal aorta 5.7 ± 1.5 m/s versus 4.8 ± 0.9 m/s, distal aorta 6.4 ± 2.4 m/s versus 5.0 ± 1.2 m/s and total aorta 5.9 ± 1.7 m/s versus 4.9 ± 1.1 m/s, all P < 0.004). PWV correlated significantly with age (Pearson R between 0.45 and 0.94). Only in the proximal aorta, the increase in PWV with age was significantly higher in patients (7 ± 2 cm/s increase with age) than in volunteers (3 ± 1 cm/s increase, P = 0.03); in the distal or total aorta, the increase in PWV with age was not different between patients and volunteers., Conclusion: Velocity-encoded MRI detects more pronounced age-related aortic stiffening in the proximal aorta in MFS patients versus healthy volunteers, suggesting more severe wall disease in MFS., (Copyright © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)

Purpose of Review: The aim is to review the evidence on the diagnostic value of computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) as a single test to rule out acute pulmonary embolism by focussing on the most recent literature and potential alternative and additional imaging modalities or diagnostic strategies., Recent Findings: Clinical outcome studies have demonstrated that, using algorithms with sequential diagnostic tests, pulmonary embolism can be safely ruled out in patients with a clinical probability indicating pulmonary embolism to be unlikely and a normal D-dimer test result. This obviates the need for additional radiological imaging tests in around one-third of patients. CTPA has been shown to have a high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. Several emerging tests with potential diagnostic or other advantages over CTPA need further validation before they can be implemented in routine clinical care., Summary: CTPA is the imaging test of first choice. The presence or absence of pulmonary embolism can be determined with sufficient certainty without the need for additional imaging tests after a negative CTPA. Compression ultrasonography and ventilation-perfusion scintigraphy is reserved for patients with concomitant symptomatic deep vein thrombosis or a stringent contraindication for CTPA, respectively. Currently, magnetic resonance pulmonary angiography is not a suitable alternative for CTPA.

Purpose: To compare velocity-encoded (VE) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with tissue Doppler imaging to assess right ventricular (RV) peak systolic velocities and timing of velocities in patients with corrected tetralogy of Fallot and healthy subjects., Materials and Methods: Local institutional review board approval was obtained; patients or their parents gave informed consent. Thirty-three patients (20 male, 13 female; median age, 12 years; interquartile range [IQR], 11-15 years; age range, 8-18 years) and 19 control subjects (12 male, seven female; median age, 14 years; IQR, 12-16 years; age range, 8-18 years) underwent VE MR imaging and tissue Doppler imaging. Peak systolic velocity and time to peak systolic velocity (percentage of cardiac cycle) were assessed at the RV free wall (RVFW) and RV outflow tract (RVOT). Data were analyzed by using linear regression, paired and unpaired tests, and Bland-Altman plots., Results: Good correlation and agreement between the two techniques were observed. For peak systolic velocity at RVFW, r = 0.95 (mean difference, -0.4 cm/sec, P < .01), and at RVOT, r = 0.95 (mean difference, -0.4 cm/sec, P = .02). For timing at RVFW, r = 0.94 (mean difference, -0.2%, P = .44), and at RVOT, r = 0.89 (mean difference, -0.5%, P = .01). Peak systolic velocity was reduced in patients with corrected tetralogy of Fallot (at RVFW, median was 8.2 cm/sec [IQR, 6.4-9.7 cm/sec] vs 12.4 cm/sec [IQR, 10.8-13.8 cm/sec], P < .01; at RVOT, 4.7 cm/sec [IQR, 4.1-7.2 cm/sec] vs 10.2 cm/sec [IQR, 8.7-11.2 cm/sec], P < .01). The time delay between RVFW and RVOT was observed, which was significantly shorter in patients with corrected tetralogy of Fallot (median, 5.9% [IQR, 4.9%-7.4%] vs 8.4% [IQR, 6.6%-12.4%], P < .01)., Conclusion: VE MR imaging and tissue Doppler imaging enable assessment of RV systolic performance and timing of velocities at the RVFW and RVOT in patients with corrected tetralogy of Fallot. Both techniques can be used interchangeably to clinically assess velocities and timing of velocities of the RV.

Coronary computed tomographic angiography allows direct evaluation of the vessel wall and thus positive remodeling, which is a marker of vulnerability. The purpose of this study was to assess the association between positive remodeling on computed tomography angiogram (CTA) and vulnerable plaque characteristics on virtual histologic intravascular ultrasound (VH IVUS) images. Forty-five patients (78% men, 58 ± 11 years old) underwent computed tomographic angiography followed by VH IVUS. On CTA, the remodeling index was determined for each lesion by a blinded observer using quantitative analysis. Positive remodeling was defined based on a remodeling index ≥1.0. Percent necrotic core and presence of thin-capped fibroatheroma (TCFA) were used as markers for plaque vulnerability on VH IVUS images. Ninety-nine atherosclerotic plaques were evaluated, of which 37 lesions (37.4%) were identified as having positive remodeling on CTA. Higher levels of plaque vulnerability were identified in lesions with positive remodeling compared to lesions without positive remodeling. Percent necrotic core was significantly higher in lesions with positive remodeling (15.7 ± 7.8%) compared to lesions without this characteristic (10.2 ± 7.2%, p <0.001). Furthermore, significantly more TCFA lesions were identified in positively remodeled lesions (n = 16, 43.2%) than in lesions without positive remodeling (n = 3, 4.8%, p <0.001). In conclusion, lesions with positive remodeling on CTA are associated with increased levels of plaque vulnerability on VH IVUS images including a higher percent necrotic core and a higher prevalence of TCFA. Thus evaluation of remodeling on CTA may provide a valuable marker for plaque vulnerability., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Aims: The positive predictive value of multidetector computed tomography angiography (CTA) for detecting significant stenosis remains limited. Possibly CTA may be more accurate in the evaluation of atherosclerosis rather than in the evaluation of stenosis severity. However, a comprehensive assessment of the diagnostic performance of CTA in comparison with both conventional coronary angiography (CCA) and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is lacking. Therefore, the aim of the study was to systematically investigate the diagnostic performance of CTA for two endpoints, namely detecting significant stenosis (using CCA as the reference standard) vs. detecting the presence of atherosclerosis (using IVUS as the reference of standard)., Methods and Results: A total of 100 patients underwent CTA followed by both CCA and IVUS. Only those segments in which IVUS imaging was performed were included for CTA and quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) analysis. On CTA, each segment was evaluated for significant stenosis (defined as ≥ 50% luminal narrowing), on CCA significant stenosis was defined as a stenosis ≥ 50%. Second, on CTA, each segment was evaluated for atherosclerotic plaque; atherosclerosis on IVUS was defined as a plaque burden of ≥ 40% cross-sectional area. CTA correctly ruled out significant stenosis in 53 of 53 (100%) patients. However, nine patients (19%) were incorrectly diagnosed as having significant lesions on CTA resulting in sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive values of 100, 85, 81, and 100%. CTA correctly ruled out the presence of atherosclerosis in 7 patients (100%) and correctly identified the presence of atherosclerosis in 93 patients (100%). No patients were incorrectly classified, resulting in sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive values of 100%. Conclusions The present study is the first to confirm using both CCA and IVUS that the diagnostic performance of CTA is superior in the evaluation of the presence or the absence of atherosclerosis when compared with the evaluation of significant stenosis.

Background: Accurate aortic root measurements and evaluation of spatial relationships with coronary ostia are crucial in preoperative transcatheter aortic valve implantation assessments. Standardization of measurements may increase intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility to promote procedural success rate and reduce the frequency of procedurally related complications. This study evaluated the accuracy and reproducibility of a novel automated multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) imaging postprocessing software, 3mensio Valves (version 4.1.sp1, Medical Imaging BV, Bilthoven, The Netherlands), in the assessment of patients with severe aortic stenosis candidates for transcatheter aortic valve implantation., Methods: Ninety patients with aortic valve disease were evaluated with 64-row and 320-row MDCT. Aortic valve annular size, aortic root dimensions, and height of the coronary ostia relative to the aortic valve annular plane were measured with the 3mensio Valves software. The measurements were compared with those obtained manually by the Vitrea2 software (Vital Images, Minneapolis, MN)., Results: Assessment of aortic valve annulus and aortic root dimensions were feasible in all the patients using the automated 3mensio Valves software. There were excellent agreements with minimal bias between automated and manual MDCT measurements as demonstrated by Bland-Altman analysis and intraclass correlation coefficients ranging from 0.97 to 0.99. The automated 3mensio Valves software had better interobserver reproducibility and required less image postprocessing time than manual assessment., Conclusions: Novel automated MDCT postprocessing imaging software (3mensio Valves) permits reliable, reproducible, and automated assessments of the aortic root dimensions and spatial relations with the surrounding structures. This has important clinical implications for preoperative assessments of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation., (Copyright © 2011 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: This study aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of multidetector row computed tomography (CT) for assessment of diastolic function in comparison with 2-dimensional (2D) echocardiography using tissue Doppler imaging (TDI)., Background: Diastolic left ventricular (LV) function plays an important role in patients with cardiovascular disease. 2D echocardiography using TDI has been used most commonly to evaluate diastolic LV function. Although the role of cardiac CT imaging for evaluation of coronary atherosclerosis has been explored extensively, its feasibility to evaluate diastolic function has not been studied., Methods: Patients who had undergone 64-multidetector row CT and 2D echocardiography with TDI were enrolled. Diastolic function was evaluated using early (E) and late (A) transmitral peak velocity (cm/s) and peak mitral septal tissue velocity (Ea; cm/s). Peak transmitral velocity (cm/s) was calculated by dividing peak diastolic transmitral flow (ml/s) by the corresponding mitral valve area (cm(2)). Mitral septal tissue velocity was calculated from changes in LV length per cardiac phase. Subsequently, the estimation of LV filling pressures (E/Ea) was determined., Results: Seventy patients (46 men; mean age 55 ± 11 years) who had undergone cardiac CT and 2D echocardiography with TDI were included. Good correlations were observed between cardiac CT and 2D echocardiography for assessment of E (r = 0.73; p < 0.01), E/A (r = 0.87; p < 0.01), Ea (r = 0.82; p < 0.01), and E/Ea (r = 0.81; p < 0.01). Moreover, a good diagnostic accuracy (79%) was found for detection of diastolic dysfunction using cardiac CT. Finally, the study showed a low intraobserver and interobserver variability for assessment of diastolic function on cardiac CT., Conclusions: Cardiac CT imaging showed good correlations for transmitral velocity, mitral septal tissue velocity, and estimation of LV filling pressures when compared with 2D echocardiography. Additionally, cardiac CT and 2D echocardiography were comparable for assessment of diastolic dysfunction. Accordingly, cardiac CT may provide information on diastolic dysfunction., (Copyright © 2011 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Proof of concept study evaluating CMR as screening tool for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) in patients treated for acute pulmonary embolism (PE)., Materials and Methods: Right and left ventricular function of 15 consecutive patients treated for PE and 10 consecutive patients in whom PE was excluded was estimated at baseline by cardiac CT and at 6 months follow-up by CMR. Additionally, during the follow-up visit, pulmonary artery (PA) hemodynamics were studied by CMR and the presence of pulmonary hypertension by echocardiography., Results: CT measured right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) was lower in patients with PE compared to patients without PE at time of diagnosis (median 47%, interquartile range 39-53 vs. 55%, 52-58; p = 0.014). After 6 months follow up, the RVEF between patients treated for PE and patients without PE were not statistically significant different (55%, 52-60 versus 54%, 51-57; p = 0.57), as were distensibility index (0.18 ± 0.18 versus 0.25 ± 0.18, p = 0.20), mean velocity (14.1 ± 3.9 cm/s versus 14.0 ± 2.5 cm/s, p = 0.81), peak velocity (86.5 ± 22 cm/s versus 89.6 ± 13 cm/s, p = 0.43) and time to peak PA blood flow velocity (142 ± 49 ms versus 161 ± 29 ms, p = 0.14). One patient was diagnosed with CTEPH and CMR revealed poor right systolic function, decreased PA distensibility and flow velocity, and a systolic notch in the PA flow profile consistent with persistent PA obstruction., Conclusion: In this small series, right ventricular performance and PA flow profiles of patients treated for 6 months after PE are equivalent to those parameters in normal patients.

Aims: Computed tomography coronary angiography (CTA) is an important non-invasive imaging modality increasingly used for the diagnosis and prognosis of coronary artery disease (CAD). The purpose of the current study was to determine the influence of smoking status on the prognostic value of CTA in patients with suspected or known CAD., Methods and Results: In 1207 patients (57% male, age 57 ± 12 years) referred for CTA, the presence of significant CAD (≥ 50% stenosis) was determined. During follow-up (FU) the following events were recorded: all cause mortality, and non-fatal infarction. The prognostic value of CTA in smokers and non-smokers was compared using an interaction term in the Cox proportional hazard regression analysis. Significant CAD was observed in 327 patients (27%), and 273 patients (23%) were smokers. During a median FU time of 2.2 years, an event occurred in 50 patients. After correction for baseline characteristics including smoking in a multivariate model, significant CAD remained an independent predictor of events. Furthermore, a significant interaction (P < 0.05) was observed between significant CAD and smoking. The annualized event rate in smokers with significant CAD was 8.78% compared with 0.99% in smokers without significant CAD (P < 0.001). In non-smokers with significant CAD the annualized event rate was 2.07% compared with 1.01% in non-smokers without significant CAD (P= 0.058)., Conclusion: The prognostic value of CTA was significantly influenced by smoking status. The event rates in patients with significant CAD were approximately four-fold higher in smokers compared with non-smokers. These findings suggest that smoking cessation needs to be aggressively pursued, especially in smokers with significant CAD.

Objective: To identify vascular mechanisms of brain atrophy in type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients by investigating the relationship between brain volumes and cerebral perfusion and aortic stiffness using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)., Research Design and Methods: Approval from the local institutional review board was obtained, and patients gave informed consent. Fifty-one type 1 DM patients (30 men; mean age 44 ± 11 years; mean DM duration 23 ± 12 years) and 34 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects were prospectively enrolled. Exclusion criteria comprised hypertension, stroke, aortic disease, and standard MRI contraindications. White matter (WM) and gray matter (GM) brain volumes, total cerebral blood flow (tCBF), total brain perfusion, and aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) were assessed using MRI. Multivariable linear regression analysis was used for statistics, with covariates age, sex, mean arterial pressure, BMI, smoking, heart rate, DM duration, and HbA(1c)., Results: Both WM and GM brain volumes were decreased in type 1 DM patients compared with control subjects (WM P = 0.04; respective GM P = 0.03). Total brain perfusion was increased in type 1 DM compared with control subjects (β = -0.219, P < 0.05). Total CBF and aortic PWV predicted WM brain volume (β = 0.352, P = 0.024 for tCBF; respective β = -0.458, P = 0.016 for aortic PWV) in type 1 DM. Age was the independent predictor of GM brain volume (β = -0.695, P < 0.001)., Conclusions: Type 1 DM patients without hypertension showed WM and GM volume loss compared with control subjects concomitant with a relative increased brain perfusion. Total CBF and stiffness of the aorta independently predicted WM brain atrophy in type 1 DM. Only age predicted GM brain atrophy.

Aims: The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether subclinical left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction is independently related to subclinical coronary atherosclerosis in type 2 diabetic patients and if it could provide incremental information over baseline characteristics to identify high-risk patients., Methods and Results: A total of 234 asymptomatic, type 2 diabetic patients without overt LV systolic dysfunction underwent coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring and two-dimensional echocardiography. The LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) was assessed using automated function imaging. Patients with coronary atherosclerosis (CAC > 0; n = 139) had more impaired GLS when compared with patients without coronary atherosclerosis (CAC = 0; n = 95; -18.0 ± 2.8 vs. -16.3 ± 3.0%, P < 0.001). At multivariate analysis, male gender, hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, and the LV GLS were independently associated with coronary atherosclerosis. The addition of the LV GLS to other selected independent clinical variables significantly improved the ability to predict coronary atherosclerosis in these patients (χ(2) = 58.92; P = 0.001)., Conclusion: Type 2 diabetic patients with coronary atherosclerosis showed a more impaired LV GLS compared with patients without coronary atherosclerosis. The presence of subclinical LV systolic dysfunction provides significant incremental value for the identification of diabetic patients having coronary atherosclerosis.

Multislice computed tomography (MSCT) is commonly acquired before radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) to plan and guide the procedure. MSCT allows accurate measurement of the left atrial (LA) and pulmonary vein (PV) dimensions and classification of the PV anatomy. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of LA dimensions, PV dimensions, and PV anatomy on the outcome of circumferential RFCA for AF. A total of 100 consecutive patients undergoing RFCA for AF (paroxysmal 72%, persistent 28%) were studied. The LA dimensions, PV dimensions, and PV anatomy were evaluated three dimensionally using MSCT. The PV anatomy was classified as normal or atypical according to the absence/presence of a common trunk or additional veins. After a mean follow-up of 11.6 ± 2.8 months, 65 patients (65%) maintained sinus rhythm. The enlargement of the left atrium in the anteroposterior direction on MSCT was related to a greater risk of AF recurrence. No relation was found between the PV dimensions and the outcome of RFCA. In addition, normal right-sided PV anatomy was related to a greater risk of AF recurrence compared to atypical right-sided PV anatomy. Multivariate analysis showed that an anteroposterior LA diameter on MSCT (odds ratio 1.083, p = 0.027) and normal right-sided PV anatomy (odds ratio 6.711, p = 0.006) were independent predictors of AF recurrence after RFCA. In conclusion, enlargement of the anteroposterior LA diameter and the presence of normal anatomy of the right PVs are independent risk factors for AF recurrence. No relation was found between the PV dimensions and outcome of RFCA., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Aims: Substrate-based ablation of ventricular tachycardia (VT) relies on electroanatomical voltage mapping (EAVM). Integration of scar information from contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE-MRI) with EAVM may provide supplementary information. This study assessed the relation between electrogram voltages and CE-MRI scar characteristics using real-time integration and reversed registration., Methods and Results: Fifteen patients without implantable cardiac defibrillator (14 males, 64 ± 9 years) referred for VT ablation after myocardial infarction underwent CE-MRI. Contours of the CE-MRI were used to create three-dimensional surface meshes of the left ventricle (LV), aortic root, and left main stem (LM). Real-time integration of CE-MRI-derived scar meshes with EAVM of the LV and aortic root was performed using the LM and the CARTO surface registration algorithm. Merging of CE-MRI meshes with EAVM was successful with a registration error of 3.8 ± 0.6 mm. After the procedure, voltage amplitudes of each mapping point were superimposed on the corresponding CE-MRI location using the reversed registration matrix. Infarcts on CE-MRI were categorized by transmurality and signal intensity. Local bipolar and unipolar voltages decreased with increasing scar transmurality and were influenced by scar heterogeneity. Ventricular tachycardia reentry circuit isthmus sites were correlated to CE-MRI scar location. In three patients, VT isthmus sites were located in scar areas not identified by EAVM., Conclusion: Integration of MRI-derived scar maps with EAVM during VT ablation is feasible and accurate. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging identifies non-transmural scars and infarct grey zones not detected by EAVM according to the currently used voltage criteria and may provide important supplementary substrate information in selected patients.

Importance of the Field: The clinical suspicion of acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is frequently raised. However, the diagnosis of PE is confirmed in only 20 - 30% of these patients. The high incidence in addition to the potential harm from false-positive or false-negative diagnostic decisions underline the importance of a standardised diagnostic algorithm with high sensitivity as well as specificity., Areas Covered in This Review: This article reviews the diagnostic tests for the diagnosis of PE., What the Reader Will Gain: This review provides an overview of the different clinical decision rules (CDRs), D-dimer tests and imaging techniques in patients suspected of PE. Furthermore, the diagnostic process in patients with clinically suspected recurrent PE, suspicion during pregnancy and new research areas are discussed., Take Home Message: Various diagnostic tests are available to detect or exclude PE with good accuracy. CDRs and D-dimer tests play an important role in the exclusion of PE. Neither is sufficient as a single test, but the combination of an 'unlikely' clinical prediction and a normal D-dimer test result safely excludes PE. In case of a high CDR score and/or an elevated D-dimer concentration, extra imaging is necessary with multi-slice computed tomography pulmonary angiography as first choice modality.

The purpose of the present study was to assess the impact of clinical presentation and pretest likelihood on the relation between coronary calcium score (CCS) and computed tomographic coronary angiography (CTA) to determine the role of CCS as a gatekeeper to CTA in patients presenting with chest pain. In 576 patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD), CCS and CTA were performed. CCS was categorized as 0, 1 to 400, and >400. On CT angiogram the presence of significant CAD (≥50% luminal narrowing) was determined. Significant CAD was observed in 14 of 242 patients (5.8%) with CCS 0, in 94 of 260 patients (36.2%) with CCS 1 to 400, and in 60 of 74 patients (81.1%) with CCS >400. In patients with CCS 0, prevalence of significant CAD increased from 3.9% to 4.1% and 14.3% in nonanginal, atypical, and typical chest pain, respectively, and from 3.4% to 3.9% and 27.3% with a low, intermediate, and high pretest likelihood, respectively. In patients with CCS 1 to 400, prevalence of significant CAD increased from 27.4% to 34.7% and 51.7% in nonanginal, atypical, and typical chest pain, respectively, and from 15.4% to 35.6% and 50% in low, intermediate, and high pretest likelihood, respectively. In patients with CCS >400, prevalence of significant CAD on CT angiogram remained high (>72%) regardless of clinical presentation and pretest likelihood. In conclusion, the relation between CCS and CTA is influenced by clinical presentation and pretest likelihood. These factors should be taken into account when using CCS as a gatekeeper for CTA., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The present study tested whether in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) the combination of increased waist circumference and increased plasma triglyceride (TG) levels can predict the presence of coronary artery disease (CAD) as assessed by multidetector computed tomographic coronary angiography (CTA). In 202 patients with type 2 DM who were clinically referred for CTA, waist circumference and TG levels were measured. Patients were divided into 4 groups according to waist circumference measurements and TG levels. Increased waist circumference and TG levels (n = 61, 31%) indicated the presence of the hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype. Patients with low waist circumference and TG (n = 49, 24%) were considered the reference group. Physical examination and blood measurements were performed. CTA was used to determine presence and severity of CAD. In addition, plaque type was evaluated. Plasma cholesterol levels were significantly increased in the group with increased TG levels and waist circumference, whereas high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was significantly lower than in the reference group. There was a significant increase in the presence of any CAD (odds ratio 3.3, confidence interval 1.31 to 8.13, p <0.05) and obstructive CAD (≥50%, odds ratio 2.9, confidence interval 1.16 to 7.28, p <0.05) in the group with increased TG level and waist circumference. In addition, a significantly larger number of noncalcified and mixed plaques was observed. In conclusion, in patients with type 2 DM, presence of the hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype translated into a deteriorated blood lipid profile and more extensive CAD on CTA. Accordingly, the hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype may serve as a practical clinical biomarker to improve risk stratification in patients with type 2 DM., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the prognostic value of computed tomography coronary angiography (CTA)-derived left ventricular (LV) function analysis and to assess its incremental prognostic value over the detection of significant stenosis using CTA., Methods: In 728 patients (400 males, mean age 55 ± 12 years) with known or suspected CAD, the presence of significant stenosis (≥ 50% stenosis) and LV function were assessed using CTA. LV end-systolic volume (LVESV), LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), and LV ejection fraction (LVEF) were calculated. LV function was assessed as a continuous variable and using cutoff values (LVEDV > 215 mL, LVESV > 90 mL, LVEF < 49%). The following events were combined in a composite end-point: all-cause mortality, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and unstable angina pectoris requiring hospitalization., Results: On CTA, a significant stenosis was observed in 221 patients (30%). During follow-up [median 765 days, 25-75th percentile: 493-978] an event occurred in 45 patients (6.2%). After multivariate correction for clinical risk factors and CTA, LVEF < 49% and LVESV > 90 mL were independent predictors of events with an incremental prognostic value over clinical risk factors and CTA., Conclusions: The present results suggest that LV function analysis provides independent and incremental prognostic information beyond anatomic assessment of CAD using CTA.

Objective: The purpose of this article is to evaluate to what extent Agatston scores may be derived from CT coronary angiography (CTA) examinations, compared with traditional unenhanced CT calcium scores., Materials and Methods: Fifty patients with a CT calcium score-Agatston score of zero and 50 patients with a CT calcium score-Agatston score of 1 or greater whose CT calcium scores had been calculated and who had undergone CTA using volumetric 320-MDCT were included. Agatston scores were obtained at 3.0-mm slices for CT calcium score and CTA. Method agreement, interobserver agreement, and diagnostic performance of CTA for detecting coronary calcium were evaluated., Results: Of 50 patients with a positive CT calcium score-Agatston score, coronary artery calcium was detected with CTA in 43 patients by observer 1 (mean CTA score, 102 ± 202; mean CT calcium score, 254 ± 501) and in 46 patients by observer 2 (mean CTA score, 94 ± 147; mean CT calcium score, 272 ± 531). Of the 50 patients with a CT calcium score-Agatston score of zero, 49 (98%, observer 1) and 50 (100%, observer 2) had a zero score with CTA as well. An intraclass correlation of 0.78 and 0.62 was found between CT calcium score and CTA (p < 0.01), whereas higher Agatston scores were underestimated with CTA. For observer 1, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy for detection of coronary calcium with CTA were 86%, 98%, 98%, 88%, and 92%, respectively, and the corresponding values for observer 2 were 92%, 100%, 100%, 93%, and 96%, respectively. Interobserver agreement was 0.996 for CT calcium score and 0.93 for CTA., Conclusion: Coronary artery calcium can be detected on CTA images with high accuracy. The Agatston calcium score derived from CTA images shows good correlation with unenhanced CT calcium score and is highly reproducible. However, higher Agatston scores are systematically underestimated when derived from CTA images.

The purpose of this study was to determine the ability of 7 T cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to quantitatively assess left ventricular volumes, mass, and function from cine short-axis series and left ventricular diastolic filling from velocity-encoded MRI in 10 healthy volunteers. As comparative "gold standard," the corresponding measures obtained at 1.5 T were taken. Left ventricular volumes, function, and mass were obtained by manual image segmentation. Trans-mitral flow graphs were obtained from 2D one-directional through-plane velocity-encoded MRI planned at the mitral valve in end-systole. Imaging at 7 T MRI was successful in 80% of the examinations. Assessment of left ventricular volumes, function, and mass at 7 T showed good agreement with 1.5 T (no significant differences between variables describing volumes, function, and mass with intraclass correlation coefficients ranging from 0.77 to 0.96). Trans-mitral stroke volume and the ratio between early and atrial peak filling rate showed strong agreement at both field strengths (no significant differences between stroke volumes and filling ratios with intraclass correlation coefficients 0.92 for stroke volumes and 0.77 for peak filling ratios). In conclusion, this study shows that assessing left ventricular volumes, function, and flow is feasible at 7 T MRI and that standardized MRI protocols provide similar quantitative results when compared with 1.5 T MRI., (Copyright © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)

Background: previous studies have shown that the presence of stenosis alone on multislice computed tomography (MSCT) has a limited positive predictive value for the presence of ischemia on myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI). The purpose of this study was to assess which variables of atherosclerosis on MSCT angiography are related to ischemia on MPI., Methods and Results: both MSCT and MPI were performed in 514 patients. On MSCT, the calcium score, degree of stenosis (≥ 50% and ≥ 70% stenosis), and plaque extent and location were determined. Plaque composition was classified as noncalcified, mixed, or calcified. Ischemia was defined as a summed difference score (≥ 2 on a per-patient basis. Ischemia was observed in 137 patients (27%). On a per-patient basis, multivariate analysis showed that the degree of stenosis (presence of (≥ 70% stenosis, odds ratio=3.5), plaque extent and composition (mixed plaques (≥3, odds ratio=1.7; calcified plaques ≥ 3, odds ratio=2.0), and location (atherosclerotic disease in the left main coronary artery and/or proximal left anterior descending coronary artery, odds ratio=1.6) were independent predictors for ischemia on MPI. In addition, MSCT variables of atherosclerosis, such as plaque extent, composition, and location, had significant incremental value for the prediction of ischemia over the presence of ≥70% stenosis., Conclusions: in addition to the degree of stenosis, MSCT variables of atherosclerosis describing plaque extent, composition, and location are predictive of the presence of ischemia on MPI.

Background: quantification of mitral regurgitation severity with 2-dimensional (2D) imaging techniques remains challenging. The present study compared the accuracy of 2D transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and 3-dimensional (3D) TEE for quantification of mitral regurgitation, using MRI as the reference method., Methods and Results: two-dimensional and 3D TEE and cardiac MRI were performed in 30 patients with mitral regurgitation. Mitral effective regurgitant orifice area (EROA) and regurgitant volume (Rvol) were estimated with 2D and 3D TEE. With 3D TEE, EROA was calculated using planimetry of the color Doppler flow from en face views and Rvol was derived by multiplying the EROA by the velocity time integral of the regurgitant jet. Finally, using MRI, mitral Rvol was quantified by subtracting the aortic flow volume from left ventricular stroke volume. Compared with 3D TEE, 2D TEE underestimated the EROA by a mean of 0.13 cm(2). In addition, 2D TEE underestimated the Rvol by 21.6% when compared with 3D TEE and by 21.3% when compared with MRI. In contrast, 3D TEE underestimated the Rvol by only 1.2% when compared with MRI. Finally, one third of the patients in grade 1 and ≥50% of the patients in grade 2 and 3, as assessed with 2D TEE, would have been upgraded to a more severe grade, based on the 3D TEE and MRI measurements., Conclusions: quantification of mitral EROA and Rvol with 3D TEE is feasible and accurate as compared with MRI and results in less underestimation of the Rvol as compared with 2D TEE.

Objective: The purpose of this article is to determine the independent predictors of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE) and to assess the relationship between RV ejection fraction (EF) and PE load., Subjects and Methods: Breath-hold CT of the chest was performed for 64 patients with PE (33 men and 31 women; mean [± SD] age, 58.6 ± 16.5 years). In addition, ECG-synchronized cardiac CT was performed to determine the RV and left ventricular (LV) EFs. PE load was determined using the Qanadli obstruction index. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to determine independent predictors of RV dysfunction (defined as EF < 35%). In addition, the relationship between RV EF and PE load was assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves., Results: RV dysfunction was independently predicted by a PE load greater than 50% (odds ratio, 40.17; 95% CI, 4.22-382.67) and an LV EF less than 45% (odds ratio, 31.18; 95% CI, 2.00-487.09; p < 0.05 for both). Curve analysis revealed that a PE load greater than 50% had a sensitivity of 82% and a specificity of 85% to identify an RV EF less than 35%. Conversely, an RV EF less than 35% had a sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 67% to predict a PE load greater than 50%., Conclusion: RV dysfunction (defined as RV EF < 35%) in patients with acute PE is highly sensitive to define a PE load greater than 50%. Furthermore, RV dysfunction is independently predicted by an obstruction index greater than 50% or an LV EF less than 45%. Assessment of RV function by ECG-synchronized CT may become useful for guiding therapy.

Purpose: To evaluate three-dimensional (3D) velocity-encoded (VE) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, as compared with two-dimensional (2D) VE MR imaging, for assessment of pulmonary valve (PV) and tricuspid valve (TV) flow, with planimetry as the reference standard, and to evaluate diastolic function in patients with a corrected tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)., Materials and Methods: Local institutional review board approval was obtained, and patients or their parents gave informed consent. Twenty-five patients with a corrected TOF (12 male, 13 female; mean age, 13.1 years +/- 2.7 [standard deviation]; age range, 8-18 years) and 19 control subjects (12 male, seven female; mean age, 14.1 years +/- 2.4; age range, 8-18 years) underwent planimetric MR imaging, 2D VE MR imaging, and 3D VE MR imaging for TV and PV flow evaluation. For evaluation of diastolic function, PV and TV flow were summated. Data were analyzed by using linear regression analysis, paired and unpaired t testing, and Bland-Altman plots., Results: Strong correlations between the 2D VE MR and 3D VE MR measurements of PV flow (for forward flow: r = 0.87, P < .01; for backward flow: r = 0.97, P < .01) were observed. With PV effective flow as a reference, 3D TV effective flow measurements were more accurate than 2D TV effective flow measurements: In patients, the mean 2D TV effective flow versus 2D PV effective flow difference was 17.6 mL +/- 11 (P < .001), and the mean 3D TV effective flow versus 3D PV effective flow difference was -1.2 mL +/- 4.7 (P = .22). Diastolic functional impairment in patients could be detected at 3D VE MR imaging diastolic assessment., Conclusion: Three-dimensional VE MR imaging is accurate for PV flow assessment and is more accurate than 2D VE MR imaging for TV flow evaluation. Assessment of diastolic function with 3D VE MR imaging can facilitate ongoing research of diastolic dysfunction in patients with a corrected TOF., ((c) RSNA, 2010.)