Multislice CT angiography represents one of the most exciting technological revolutions in cardiac imaging and it has been increasingly used in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease. Rapid improvements in multislic...Multislice CT angiography represents one of the most exciting technological revolutions in cardiac imaging and it has been increasingly used in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease. Rapid improvements in multislice CT scanners over the last decade have allowed this technique to become a potentially effective alternative to invasive coronary angiography in patients with suspected coronary artery disease. High diagnostic value has been achieved with multislice CT angiography with use of 64- and more slice CT scanners. In addition, multislice CT angiography shows accurate detection and analysis of coronary calcium, characterization of coronary plaques, as well as prediction of the disease progression and major cardiac events. Thus, patients can benefit from multislice CT angiography that provides a rapid and accurate diagnosis while avoiding unnecessary invasive coronary angiography procedures. The aim of this article is present an overview of the clinical applications of multislice CT angiography in coronary artery disease with a focus on the diagnostic accuracy of coronary artery disease; prognostic value of coronary artery disease with regard to the prediction of major cardiac events; detection and quantification of coronary calcium and characterization of coronary plaques. Limitations of multislice CT angiography in coronary artery disease are also briefly discussed, and future directions are highlighted.展开更多
Coronary artery anomalies （CAAs） may be discovered more often as incidental findings during the normal diagnostic process for other cardiac diseases or less frequently on the basis of manifestations of myocardial is...Coronary artery anomalies （CAAs） may be discovered more often as incidental findings during the normal diagnostic process for other cardiac diseases or less frequently on the basis of manifestations of myocardial ischemia. The cardiovascular professional may be involved in their angiographic diagnosis, fimctional assessment and eventual endovascular treatment. A complete angiographic definition is mandatory in order to understand the functional effects and plan any intervention in CAAs： computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are useful non-invasive tools to detect three-dimensional morphology of the anomalies and its relationships with contiguous cardiac structures, whereas coronary arteriography remains the gold standard for a definitive anatomic picture. A practical idea of the possible functional sig- nificance is mandatory for deciding how to manage CAAs： non-invasive stress tests and in particular the invasive pharmacological stress tests with or without intravascular ultrasound monitoring can assess correctly the functional significance of the most CAAs. Finally, the knowledge of the particular endovascular techniques and material is of paramount importance for achieving technical and clinical success. CAAs represent a complex issue, which rarely involve the cardiovascular professional at different levels. A timely practical knowledge of the main issues regarding CAAs is important in the management of such entities.展开更多
Background The computational fluid dynamics(CFD)approach has been frequently applied to compute the fractional flow reserve(FFR)using computed tomography angiography(CTA).This technique is efficient.We developed the D...Background The computational fluid dynamics(CFD)approach has been frequently applied to compute the fractional flow reserve(FFR)using computed tomography angiography(CTA).This technique is efficient.We developed the DEEPVESSEL-FFR platform using the emerging deep learning technique to calculate the FFR value out of CTA images in five minutes.This study is to evaluate the DEEPVESSEL-FFR platform using the emerging deep learning technique to calculate the FFR value from CTA images as an efficient method.Methods A single-center,prospective study was conducted and 63 patients were enrolled for the evaluation of the diagnostic performance of DEEPVESSEL-FFR.Automatic quantification method for the three-dimensional coronary arterial geometry and the deep learning based prediction of FFR were developed to assess the ischemic risk of the stenotic coronary arteries.Diagnostic performance of the DEEPVESSEL-FFR was assessed by using wire-based FFR as reference standard.The primary evaluation factor was defined by using the area under receiver-operation characteristics curve(AUC)analysis.Results For per-patient level,taking the cut-off value<0.8 referring to the FFR measurement,DEEPVESSEL-FFR presented higher diagnostic performance in determining ischemia-related lesions with area under the curve of 0.928 compare to CTA stenotic severity 0.664.DEEPVESSEL-FFR correlated with FFR(R=0.686,P<0.001),with a mean di&ference of-0.006士0.0091(P=0.619).The secondary evaluation factors,indicating per vessel accuracy,sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive value,and negative predictive value were 87.3%,97.14%,75%,82.93%,and 95.45%,respectively.Conclusion DEEPVESSEL-FFR is a novel method that allows efficient assessment of the functional significance of coronary stenosis.展开更多
Background Elderly patients generally have higher occurrence of coronary calcification, increased heart rate and difficulty with prolonged breath-holding. The aim of our study was to investigate the feasibility and ac...Background Elderly patients generally have higher occurrence of coronary calcification, increased heart rate and difficulty with prolonged breath-holding. The aim of our study was to investigate the feasibility and accuracy of using 64-row multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) in the assessment of coronary artery stenoses in elderly patients. Methods One hundred and fifty two patients with suspected or known coronary artery disease were divided into 4 groups according to their age (Group A: 40-49 years,n=34; Group B: 50-59 years, n=57; Group C: 60-69 years, n=48; Group D: 70 years and above; n=13). Coronary CT angiography (CTA) using a 64-row MDCT was performed and the findings were compared with that of conventional coronary angiography (CCA).Using axial images, multi-planar reconstructions (MPR) and maximum intensity projections (MIP), coronary segments of lumen diameter = 1.5mm were analyzed for the presence of significant stenosis (= 50% ). Results Percentages of poor image quality from coronary CTA preventing reliable correlations with CCA were 21%, 14%, 19% and 62% in Groups A to D respectively. Patients in Group D had significantly higher calcium scores compared with the other groups (P＜0.001). In patients where CTA images were of acceptable quality, percentages of accurate correlations with CCA were 89.8%, 93.4%, 86.6% and 78.0% for Groups A to D respectively.There were no significant difference in serum creatinine, heart rate and contrast volume between the 4 groups. Conclusions The 64-row MDCT coronary angiography was less accurate and feasible for patients aged 70 years or above due to heavy coronary calcification and inability to perform a satisfactory breath-hold. However, a high diagnostic accuracy with the MDCT is possible in patients aged less than 70 years.展开更多
To evaluate the value of 16-slice spiral CT in the demonstration of coronary artery and in the diagnose of coronary artery stenosis. Methods Plain and enhanced CT scans were performed with a 16-slice CT scanner (Sensa...To evaluate the value of 16-slice spiral CT in the demonstration of coronary artery and in the diagnose of coronary artery stenosis. Methods Plain and enhanced CT scans were performed with a 16-slice CT scanner (Sensation 16, Siemens, Germany) in 230 patients with suspected coronary heart disease (CHD). Parameters of the plain scan were: 120 kV, 133 mA, slice col-limation 16 mm×1.5 mm, rotation time 0.42 seconds, increment 1.5 mm, and slice width 3 mm. Parameters of the enhanced scan were: 120 kV, 500 mA, slice collimation 16 mm×0.75 mm, rotation time 0.42 seconds, increment 0.5 mm, and slice width 1 mm. Enhanced CT scan was performed with a rapid intravenous injection of 100 mL iothalamate meglumine (Ultravist) (370 mgI/mL) or Omnipaque (350 mgI/mL) and 30 mL 0.9% NaCl chaser bolus at a flow rate of 3.5 mL/s. Calcium scoring with plain scan images and two and three dimensional reconstruction with enhanced scan images were made in all cases, among which 30 cases underwent conventional coronary angiography. Demonstration of coronary arteries and their stenosis were evaluated and the factors that might influence the image quality were analyzed. Results Coronary calcium scores were calculated and coronary artery was demonstrated in our study. In the evaluationof image quality with volume rendering technique (VRT) images, 78.3% of the images were of the first class, 12.2% the sec-ond class, and 9.6% the third class. Multi-planar reconstruction (MPR) and maximal intensity projection (MIP) were better than VRT in the demonstration of small branches. The image quality was related to the heart rate, with or without arrhythmia, and breath-hold ability of patients. Comparative study of the stenosis of coronary arteries in 30 cases showed that the sensi-tivity and specificity of 16-slice coronary CT angiography (CTA) to diagnose significant stenosis were 95.8% and 94.8% resp-ectively. Conclusion As a non-invasive and quick method, 16-slice coronary CTA is sensitive and specific to diagnose the stenosis of coronary arteries and can be used as a screening method in the diagnosis of CHD.展开更多
Objective To compare 16-slice multi-detector spiral computed tomography (MDCT) and breathhold 3D magnetic resonance (MR) coronary angiography in the visualization of coronary arteries and the accuracy of detecting sig...Objective To compare 16-slice multi-detector spiral computed tomography (MDCT) and breathhold 3D magnetic resonance (MR) coronary angiography in the visualization of coronary arteries and the accuracy of detecting significant (＞ 50%) coronary stenoses in patients with suspected coronary artery disease. Methods Forty patients were examined by 16-slice CT (GE, Lightspeedl6)and MR (GE,Twinspeed) within 3 days; 31 of them underwent conventional coronary angiography (CAG) within 2 weeks after CT and MR scan. CT was performed with 16× 1.25 mm detector collimation, 0.5 s rotation time and images were reconstructed at 60%-75% of the cardiac cycle. MR was performed with breath hold 3D FIESTA (TR4.0 ms, TE1.7 ms, flip angle 65, slice thickness 3 mm, FOV 280 mm, matrix 256× 192). Mean heart rate was 63 ± 5.8 bpm and β-blocker was used in 24 patients. MR and CT image quality was evaluated in 9 coronary segments (RCA1, RCA2, RCA3, LM, LAD1, LAD2, LAD3, LCX1, LCX2) using a four-point grading scale.Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy were calculated for detection of significant stenosis using CAG as the gold standard. Results 16-slice CT showed higher image quality in most coronary segments except RCA2.Forty-three segments were diagnosed as significant stenosis by CAG, 36 and 27 of these were correctly detected by CT and MR respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 16-slice CT and MR for detecting significant stenosis were 83 %, 84 %, 49 %, 97 % and 63 %, 90 %, 55 %, 93 %, respectively. Conclusion Sixteen-slice CT showed higher image quality in most coronary segments excepted for middle RCA. 16-slice CT had higher sensitivity than MR for detection of coronary significant stenosis, whereas MR had higher specificity than CT. Both CT and MR showed high negative predictive value,which is useful for excluding coronary stenosis in symptomatic patients.展开更多
Coronary artery anomalies （CAAs） occur in 0.64 % to 5.6% of patients undergoing coronary angiography, Most pathophysiology and clinical histories involving CCAs have been fully clarified in the past 30 years. Isolat...Coronary artery anomalies （CAAs） occur in 0.64 % to 5.6% of patients undergoing coronary angiography, Most pathophysiology and clinical histories involving CCAs have been fully clarified in the past 30 years. Isolated congenital coronary artery-left ventricle direct microfismlas （CVmF） have been recently described, but the clinical significance and anatomical characteristics associated with this rare type of CAA in a western population are still unclear.展开更多
Digital infrared thermography is suitable for monitoring the planar two-dimensional temperature distribution of curved surfaces of objects by sensing their infrared radiation. Cardiac infrared thermography also has a ...Digital infrared thermography is suitable for monitoring the planar two-dimensional temperature distribution of curved surfaces of objects by sensing their infrared radiation. Cardiac infrared thermography also has a thermal coronary angiography alias. This study proposes a digital image processing methodology for locating blood clot blockage. This methodology contains four consequent processes. The two-dimensional gray scale infrared thermograph pixels are first binarized and classified as background or coronary arteries using multi-thresh adaptive segmentation.The coronary artery contours are extracted from segmented raw pixels using continuous pepper-like pixel removal,erosion,subtraction,recursive neighborhood visiting,contour point-list construction and short edge deletion.In the third process one coronary artery branch is selected by physicians for calculating the longest curved central axis using morphological thinning and neighborhood analysis. In the last process the nearest left and right distances from each pixel along the directional central axis to its corresponding boundary contour are added as the coronary artery variable diameter at the current pixel's position. A variable diameter versus straighten length diagram along this axial curved path is plotted to provide useful physiological information to the physician. An obstruction rate equation is then defined to calculate the possible vascular blockage positions with the local minimal rates. Finally,preoperative cases are tested to prove the predictive positions are correct in comparison to individual patient myocardial perfusion imaging.展开更多
Although congenital heart diseases are uncommon in the elderly,coronary artery anomalies may be incidentally discovered in old age.We sought to determine the incidence and clinical features of coronary artery anomalie...Although congenital heart diseases are uncommon in the elderly,coronary artery anomalies may be incidentally discovered in old age.We sought to determine the incidence and clinical features of coronary artery anomalies (CAAs) in patients over 65 years of age.Patients and methods Medical records of patients undergoing coronary artery angiography in the years 1997-2002 at the Legnago General Hospital were retrospectively reviewed.The clinical profiles of all patients with CAAs and CAA subtypes were noted.Comparison between patients under and over 65 was performed.Data are given as mean standard deviation and as percentages.Results Sixty- six patients (1.21%,Female/Male 22/44,mean age 65.3±10.6 years) out of the 5450 who underwent coronary angingraphy in the years 1997-2002 had CAAs.In most cases (63%,41/66 patients),the patients were over 65. CAAs were discovered incidentally in these elderly patients while undergoing coronary artery angiography for dilated cardiomyopathy, ischemic heart disease,and valvular heart disease in 75% of the cases (30/41 patients).Patients over 65 had more cardiac comorbidities and a higher incidence of coronary atherosclerosis.Conclusions The angingraphic incidence of CAAs in elderly patients is increasing as the population ages and this occurrence calls for a wider knowledge of the anatomy and pathophysiology of CAAs among geriatric cardiologists.Elderly patients seem to present with lower risk coronary anomalies (separated origin of left anterior descending coronary artery and circumflex artery,origin of circumflex artery from the right sinus or the right coronary artery,double coronary artery) but have a higher risk profile compared to younger patients due to the frequency of cardiac coraorbidities and superimposed coronary artery atherosclerosis.(J Geriatr Cardiol 2004;1:40-43.)展开更多
Background Coronary computed tomography angiography(CCTA)is often avoided in elderly patients due to a presumption that a high proportion of patients will have heavily calcified plaque limiting an accurate assessment....Background Coronary computed tomography angiography(CCTA)is often avoided in elderly patients due to a presumption that a high proportion of patients will have heavily calcified plaque limiting an accurate assessment.We sought to assess the image quality,luminal stenosis and utility of CCTA in elderly patients with suspected coronary artery disease(CAD)and stable chest pain.Methods Retrospective analysis of elderly patients(>75 years)who underwent 320-detector row CCTA between 2012–2017 at MonashHeart.The CCTA was analysed for degree maximal coronary stenosis by CAD-RADS classification,image quality by a 5-point Likert score(1-poor,2-adequate,3-good,4-very good,5-excellent)and presence of artefact limiting interpretability.Results 1011 elderly patients(62%females,78.8±3.3 years)were studied.Cardiovascular risk factor prevalence included:hypertension(65%),hyperlipidaemia(48%),diabetes(19%)and smoking(21%).The CCTA was evaluable in 68%of patients which included 52%with non-obstructive CAD(<50%stenosis),48%with obstructive CAD(>50%)stenosis.Mean Likert score was 3.1±0.6 corresponding to good image quality.Of the 323(32%)of patients with a non-interpretable CCTA,80%were due to calcified plaque and 20%due to motion artefact.Male gender(P=0.009),age(P=0.02),excess motion(P<0.01)and diabetes mellitus(P=0.03)were associated with non-interpretable CCTA.Conclusion Although CCTA is a feasible non-invasive tool for assessment of elderly patients with stable chest pain,clinicians should still be cautious about referring elderly patients for CCTA.Patients who are male,diabetic and>78 years of age are significantly less likely to have interpretable scans.展开更多
Left ventricular diastolic function in 49 subjccts were studiedcineangiographically and compared with relevant indexes of radionuclide angiography(RNA).Normalizcd peak filling rate(NPFR),1/3 filling fraction(FF1/3),lc...Left ventricular diastolic function in 49 subjccts were studiedcineangiographically and compared with relevant indexes of radionuclide angiography(RNA).Normalizcd peak filling rate(NPFR),1/3 filling fraction(FF1/3),lcftventricular compliance in 23 patients with coronary artery disease(CAD)weresignificantly lower than that in normal control group(n=14),and the time to peak fil-ling rate(TPFR)was longer in CAD patients,Hypertension group(n=12)had someslight changes in left ventricular diastolic function.However,50%(6/12)of paticnts inCAD group with normal EF(EF】0.65)had a diminished NPFR also.FF 1/3 ofcineangiography had a good correlation with that of RNA.The results indicated thatdiastolic filling function estimated cinceangiographically might reflcet earlier and more sensi-tive changes than left ventricular systolic function in patients with CAD.FF 1/3 mea-sured by RNA might also be a useful noninvasive index in evaluating diastolic filling fune-tion.展开更多
Objective: To study the coronary artery lesions and clinical features in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD ) coexisting with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM ). Methods: 850 cases CHD patients we...Objective: To study the coronary artery lesions and clinical features in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD ) coexisting with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM ). Methods: 850 cases CHD patients were divided into 2 groups: patients with NIDDM and patients without NIDDM, the coronary lesions were compared between 2 groups by coronary artery angiography (CAG ) and the clinical characteristics were also studied between 2 groups. Results: More patients with NIDDM had hypertension, stroke, hyperlipemia and family history of NIDDM or CHD. More patients with NIDDM had painless chest pain, and the mortality rate in NIDDM group was higher than that of control group. More patients with NIDDM suffered from middle to serve stenosis of coronary artery and triple CHD and low ejection fraction than without (P<0. 01 ). Conclusion: NIDDM is an independent risk factor for CHD and heart function and the early diagnosis of NIDDM is very important for the prognosis of CHD.展开更多
In this case report, we present the occlusion of multiple coronary artery fistulaes originating from proximal left anterior descending （LAD） and fight sinus valsavla and empting to the pulmonary artery at the same p...In this case report, we present the occlusion of multiple coronary artery fistulaes originating from proximal left anterior descending （LAD） and fight sinus valsavla and empting to the pulmonary artery at the same place. We occluded LAD fistulae by using thrombus aspira- tion catheter as a delivery guide. To the best of our knowlege, this is the first case of occlusion of coronary fistulaes with the help of throm- bus aspiration catheter. Our experience may suggest that thrombus aspiration catheters can be used in treating coronary artery fistulaes with difficult anotomv.展开更多
Objective:To explore the value of angiographic diagnosis and interventional therapy of the coronary artery fine branch fistula.Methods:All of the 18 patients with coronary artery fine branch fistula underwent selectiv...Objective:To explore the value of angiographic diagnosis and interventional therapy of the coronary artery fine branch fistula.Methods:All of the 18 patients with coronary artery fine branch fistula underwent selective coronary arteriography,7 underwent interventional therapy, while 8 underwent prosthesis for coronary artery fistula (CAF) under extracorpored circulation. Results:Among 18 cases of coronary artery fine branch fistula, 7 happened in right coronary artery (38.9%), 11 in left coronary artery (61.1%). Among the 11 cases in left coronary artery,5 happened in descending anterior branch, 5 occurred in left circumflex branch, 1 arised from both left anterior branch and left circumflex branch. Among the 18 cases, there are 10 cases of coronary-to-pulmonary artery fistula (55.6%), 5 cases of fistula draining into right atrium (27.8%), 2 cases of fistula draining into left atrium (11.1%) and 1 draining into right ventricle (5.6%). Interventional treatment was successful in 7 patients. During the 12 months’ follow-up, there was no cardiovascular events. Conclusion:Selective coronary angiography is the first choice for diagnosing the coronary artery fine branch fistula. In respect of therapy, besides of surgical treatment, intervention is still a rather good measure presently.展开更多
Objective To study whether free triiodothyronine （FT3） within normal range has effects on the presence and severity of coronary ar- tery disease （CAD） in different gender and age groups. Methods A total of 4206 eu...Objective To study whether free triiodothyronine （FT3） within normal range has effects on the presence and severity of coronary ar- tery disease （CAD） in different gender and age groups. Methods A total of 4206 euthyroid patients were consecutively enrolled and di- vided into CAD group （n = 3306） and non-CAD group （n = 900）. All patients underwent coronary angiography （CAG）. Gensini score （GS） was used to determine the severity of coronary artery stenosis. Severe CAD was defined as GS 〉 32 and mild CAD was defined as GS 〈 32. Logistic regression analysis and linear regression analysis were conducted to determine the association of FT3 with CAD in patients with different gender and ages. Results Concentration of FT3 was lower in patients with CAD than that in angiography-normal control group （P 〈 0.05）. In addition, concentration of FT3 was lower in severe CAD than that in mild CAD. After adjusting for traditional cardiovascular risk factors and potential confounders, FT3 was negatively correlated with the presence of CAD, but not in the old patients （〉 65 years old）. Mul- tivariable linear regression analysis showed that FT3 was negatively associated with GS in male and young patients with stable CAD, but not in the old patients. Conclusions Low FT3 within normal range was negatively associated with the presence and severity of CAD in young patients, but not in the old ones. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings.展开更多
Background and objective To assess the predictive value of C-reactive protein(CRP) for major adverse cardiac events and the association between CRP level and the coronary lesion morphology and extent in patients with ...Background and objective To assess the predictive value of C-reactive protein(CRP) for major adverse cardiac events and the association between CRP level and the coronary lesion morphology and extent in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD).Methods CRP was measured on admission in 177 consecutive elderly (age≥60 years) patients with CHD who underwent coronary angiography. Patients were divided into high CRP group (CRP≥3mg/L) and normal CRP group (CRP ＜3mg/L). The association between CRP levels and the coronary lesion features, including severity of stenosis (mild, moderate, severe), extent of lesion (diffused or nondiffused), eccentricity of the plaque (eccentric or non-eccentric) were analyzed. Patients were followed up for a mean of 8 months for the occurrences of major adverse cardiac events (MACE). Results Compared with patients in normal CRP group, patients in high CRP group were more frequently to have unstable angina, multi-vessel, diffuse, eccentric lesions, positive remodeling, and non-smooth plaques (P＜0.01). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed patients in high CRP group had a significantly lower MACE-free survival rate than patients in normal CRP group (Log-rank = 12.0, P＜0.01); Cox regression analysis indicated CRP level as an independent predictor for the occurrence of MACE (OR=3.16, P＜0.05) Conclusions High CRP level is associated with more extend, severe and eccentric coronary lesions and is an independent predictor for MACE in elderly patients with CHD.展开更多
文摘Multislice CT angiography represents one of the most exciting technological revolutions in cardiac imaging and it has been increasingly used in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease. Rapid improvements in multislice CT scanners over the last decade have allowed this technique to become a potentially effective alternative to invasive coronary angiography in patients with suspected coronary artery disease. High diagnostic value has been achieved with multislice CT angiography with use of 64- and more slice CT scanners. In addition, multislice CT angiography shows accurate detection and analysis of coronary calcium, characterization of coronary plaques, as well as prediction of the disease progression and major cardiac events. Thus, patients can benefit from multislice CT angiography that provides a rapid and accurate diagnosis while avoiding unnecessary invasive coronary angiography procedures. The aim of this article is present an overview of the clinical applications of multislice CT angiography in coronary artery disease with a focus on the diagnostic accuracy of coronary artery disease; prognostic value of coronary artery disease with regard to the prediction of major cardiac events; detection and quantification of coronary calcium and characterization of coronary plaques. Limitations of multislice CT angiography in coronary artery disease are also briefly discussed, and future directions are highlighted.
文摘Coronary artery anomalies （CAAs） may be discovered more often as incidental findings during the normal diagnostic process for other cardiac diseases or less frequently on the basis of manifestations of myocardial ischemia. The cardiovascular professional may be involved in their angiographic diagnosis, fimctional assessment and eventual endovascular treatment. A complete angiographic definition is mandatory in order to understand the functional effects and plan any intervention in CAAs： computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are useful non-invasive tools to detect three-dimensional morphology of the anomalies and its relationships with contiguous cardiac structures, whereas coronary arteriography remains the gold standard for a definitive anatomic picture. A practical idea of the possible functional sig- nificance is mandatory for deciding how to manage CAAs： non-invasive stress tests and in particular the invasive pharmacological stress tests with or without intravascular ultrasound monitoring can assess correctly the functional significance of the most CAAs. Finally, the knowledge of the particular endovascular techniques and material is of paramount importance for achieving technical and clinical success. CAAs represent a complex issue, which rarely involve the cardiovascular professional at different levels. A timely practical knowledge of the main issues regarding CAAs is important in the management of such entities.
文摘Background The computational fluid dynamics(CFD)approach has been frequently applied to compute the fractional flow reserve(FFR)using computed tomography angiography(CTA).This technique is efficient.We developed the DEEPVESSEL-FFR platform using the emerging deep learning technique to calculate the FFR value out of CTA images in five minutes.This study is to evaluate the DEEPVESSEL-FFR platform using the emerging deep learning technique to calculate the FFR value from CTA images as an efficient method.Methods A single-center,prospective study was conducted and 63 patients were enrolled for the evaluation of the diagnostic performance of DEEPVESSEL-FFR.Automatic quantification method for the three-dimensional coronary arterial geometry and the deep learning based prediction of FFR were developed to assess the ischemic risk of the stenotic coronary arteries.Diagnostic performance of the DEEPVESSEL-FFR was assessed by using wire-based FFR as reference standard.The primary evaluation factor was defined by using the area under receiver-operation characteristics curve(AUC)analysis.Results For per-patient level,taking the cut-off value<0.8 referring to the FFR measurement,DEEPVESSEL-FFR presented higher diagnostic performance in determining ischemia-related lesions with area under the curve of 0.928 compare to CTA stenotic severity 0.664.DEEPVESSEL-FFR correlated with FFR(R=0.686,P<0.001),with a mean di&ference of-0.006士0.0091(P=0.619).The secondary evaluation factors,indicating per vessel accuracy,sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive value,and negative predictive value were 87.3%,97.14%,75%,82.93%,and 95.45%,respectively.Conclusion DEEPVESSEL-FFR is a novel method that allows efficient assessment of the functional significance of coronary stenosis.
文摘Background Elderly patients generally have higher occurrence of coronary calcification, increased heart rate and difficulty with prolonged breath-holding. The aim of our study was to investigate the feasibility and accuracy of using 64-row multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) in the assessment of coronary artery stenoses in elderly patients. Methods One hundred and fifty two patients with suspected or known coronary artery disease were divided into 4 groups according to their age (Group A: 40-49 years,n=34; Group B: 50-59 years, n=57; Group C: 60-69 years, n=48; Group D: 70 years and above; n=13). Coronary CT angiography (CTA) using a 64-row MDCT was performed and the findings were compared with that of conventional coronary angiography (CCA).Using axial images, multi-planar reconstructions (MPR) and maximum intensity projections (MIP), coronary segments of lumen diameter = 1.5mm were analyzed for the presence of significant stenosis (= 50% ). Results Percentages of poor image quality from coronary CTA preventing reliable correlations with CCA were 21%, 14%, 19% and 62% in Groups A to D respectively. Patients in Group D had significantly higher calcium scores compared with the other groups (P＜0.001). In patients where CTA images were of acceptable quality, percentages of accurate correlations with CCA were 89.8%, 93.4%, 86.6% and 78.0% for Groups A to D respectively.There were no significant difference in serum creatinine, heart rate and contrast volume between the 4 groups. Conclusions The 64-row MDCT coronary angiography was less accurate and feasible for patients aged 70 years or above due to heavy coronary calcification and inability to perform a satisfactory breath-hold. However, a high diagnostic accuracy with the MDCT is possible in patients aged less than 70 years.
文摘To evaluate the value of 16-slice spiral CT in the demonstration of coronary artery and in the diagnose of coronary artery stenosis. Methods Plain and enhanced CT scans were performed with a 16-slice CT scanner (Sensation 16, Siemens, Germany) in 230 patients with suspected coronary heart disease (CHD). Parameters of the plain scan were: 120 kV, 133 mA, slice col-limation 16 mm×1.5 mm, rotation time 0.42 seconds, increment 1.5 mm, and slice width 3 mm. Parameters of the enhanced scan were: 120 kV, 500 mA, slice collimation 16 mm×0.75 mm, rotation time 0.42 seconds, increment 0.5 mm, and slice width 1 mm. Enhanced CT scan was performed with a rapid intravenous injection of 100 mL iothalamate meglumine (Ultravist) (370 mgI/mL) or Omnipaque (350 mgI/mL) and 30 mL 0.9% NaCl chaser bolus at a flow rate of 3.5 mL/s. Calcium scoring with plain scan images and two and three dimensional reconstruction with enhanced scan images were made in all cases, among which 30 cases underwent conventional coronary angiography. Demonstration of coronary arteries and their stenosis were evaluated and the factors that might influence the image quality were analyzed. Results Coronary calcium scores were calculated and coronary artery was demonstrated in our study. In the evaluationof image quality with volume rendering technique (VRT) images, 78.3% of the images were of the first class, 12.2% the sec-ond class, and 9.6% the third class. Multi-planar reconstruction (MPR) and maximal intensity projection (MIP) were better than VRT in the demonstration of small branches. The image quality was related to the heart rate, with or without arrhythmia, and breath-hold ability of patients. Comparative study of the stenosis of coronary arteries in 30 cases showed that the sensi-tivity and specificity of 16-slice coronary CT angiography (CTA) to diagnose significant stenosis were 95.8% and 94.8% resp-ectively. Conclusion As a non-invasive and quick method, 16-slice coronary CTA is sensitive and specific to diagnose the stenosis of coronary arteries and can be used as a screening method in the diagnosis of CHD.
文摘Objective To compare 16-slice multi-detector spiral computed tomography (MDCT) and breathhold 3D magnetic resonance (MR) coronary angiography in the visualization of coronary arteries and the accuracy of detecting significant (＞ 50%) coronary stenoses in patients with suspected coronary artery disease. Methods Forty patients were examined by 16-slice CT (GE, Lightspeedl6)and MR (GE,Twinspeed) within 3 days; 31 of them underwent conventional coronary angiography (CAG) within 2 weeks after CT and MR scan. CT was performed with 16× 1.25 mm detector collimation, 0.5 s rotation time and images were reconstructed at 60%-75% of the cardiac cycle. MR was performed with breath hold 3D FIESTA (TR4.0 ms, TE1.7 ms, flip angle 65, slice thickness 3 mm, FOV 280 mm, matrix 256× 192). Mean heart rate was 63 ± 5.8 bpm and β-blocker was used in 24 patients. MR and CT image quality was evaluated in 9 coronary segments (RCA1, RCA2, RCA3, LM, LAD1, LAD2, LAD3, LCX1, LCX2) using a four-point grading scale.Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy were calculated for detection of significant stenosis using CAG as the gold standard. Results 16-slice CT showed higher image quality in most coronary segments except RCA2.Forty-three segments were diagnosed as significant stenosis by CAG, 36 and 27 of these were correctly detected by CT and MR respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 16-slice CT and MR for detecting significant stenosis were 83 %, 84 %, 49 %, 97 % and 63 %, 90 %, 55 %, 93 %, respectively. Conclusion Sixteen-slice CT showed higher image quality in most coronary segments excepted for middle RCA. 16-slice CT had higher sensitivity than MR for detection of coronary significant stenosis, whereas MR had higher specificity than CT. Both CT and MR showed high negative predictive value,which is useful for excluding coronary stenosis in symptomatic patients.
文摘Coronary artery anomalies （CAAs） occur in 0.64 % to 5.6% of patients undergoing coronary angiography, Most pathophysiology and clinical histories involving CCAs have been fully clarified in the past 30 years. Isolated congenital coronary artery-left ventricle direct microfismlas （CVmF） have been recently described, but the clinical significance and anatomical characteristics associated with this rare type of CAA in a western population are still unclear.
基金the financial support of this research under grant No.103-2218-E-234-001
文摘Digital infrared thermography is suitable for monitoring the planar two-dimensional temperature distribution of curved surfaces of objects by sensing their infrared radiation. Cardiac infrared thermography also has a thermal coronary angiography alias. This study proposes a digital image processing methodology for locating blood clot blockage. This methodology contains four consequent processes. The two-dimensional gray scale infrared thermograph pixels are first binarized and classified as background or coronary arteries using multi-thresh adaptive segmentation.The coronary artery contours are extracted from segmented raw pixels using continuous pepper-like pixel removal,erosion,subtraction,recursive neighborhood visiting,contour point-list construction and short edge deletion.In the third process one coronary artery branch is selected by physicians for calculating the longest curved central axis using morphological thinning and neighborhood analysis. In the last process the nearest left and right distances from each pixel along the directional central axis to its corresponding boundary contour are added as the coronary artery variable diameter at the current pixel's position. A variable diameter versus straighten length diagram along this axial curved path is plotted to provide useful physiological information to the physician. An obstruction rate equation is then defined to calculate the possible vascular blockage positions with the local minimal rates. Finally,preoperative cases are tested to prove the predictive positions are correct in comparison to individual patient myocardial perfusion imaging.
文摘Although congenital heart diseases are uncommon in the elderly,coronary artery anomalies may be incidentally discovered in old age.We sought to determine the incidence and clinical features of coronary artery anomalies (CAAs) in patients over 65 years of age.Patients and methods Medical records of patients undergoing coronary artery angiography in the years 1997-2002 at the Legnago General Hospital were retrospectively reviewed.The clinical profiles of all patients with CAAs and CAA subtypes were noted.Comparison between patients under and over 65 was performed.Data are given as mean standard deviation and as percentages.Results Sixty- six patients (1.21%,Female/Male 22/44,mean age 65.3±10.6 years) out of the 5450 who underwent coronary angingraphy in the years 1997-2002 had CAAs.In most cases (63%,41/66 patients),the patients were over 65. CAAs were discovered incidentally in these elderly patients while undergoing coronary artery angiography for dilated cardiomyopathy, ischemic heart disease,and valvular heart disease in 75% of the cases (30/41 patients).Patients over 65 had more cardiac comorbidities and a higher incidence of coronary atherosclerosis.Conclusions The angingraphic incidence of CAAs in elderly patients is increasing as the population ages and this occurrence calls for a wider knowledge of the anatomy and pathophysiology of CAAs among geriatric cardiologists.Elderly patients seem to present with lower risk coronary anomalies (separated origin of left anterior descending coronary artery and circumflex artery,origin of circumflex artery from the right sinus or the right coronary artery,double coronary artery) but have a higher risk profile compared to younger patients due to the frequency of cardiac coraorbidities and superimposed coronary artery atherosclerosis.(J Geriatr Cardiol 2004;1:40-43.)
文摘Background Coronary computed tomography angiography(CCTA)is often avoided in elderly patients due to a presumption that a high proportion of patients will have heavily calcified plaque limiting an accurate assessment.We sought to assess the image quality,luminal stenosis and utility of CCTA in elderly patients with suspected coronary artery disease(CAD)and stable chest pain.Methods Retrospective analysis of elderly patients(>75 years)who underwent 320-detector row CCTA between 2012–2017 at MonashHeart.The CCTA was analysed for degree maximal coronary stenosis by CAD-RADS classification,image quality by a 5-point Likert score(1-poor,2-adequate,3-good,4-very good,5-excellent)and presence of artefact limiting interpretability.Results 1011 elderly patients(62%females,78.8±3.3 years)were studied.Cardiovascular risk factor prevalence included:hypertension(65%),hyperlipidaemia(48%),diabetes(19%)and smoking(21%).The CCTA was evaluable in 68%of patients which included 52%with non-obstructive CAD(<50%stenosis),48%with obstructive CAD(>50%)stenosis.Mean Likert score was 3.1±0.6 corresponding to good image quality.Of the 323(32%)of patients with a non-interpretable CCTA,80%were due to calcified plaque and 20%due to motion artefact.Male gender(P=0.009),age(P=0.02),excess motion(P<0.01)and diabetes mellitus(P=0.03)were associated with non-interpretable CCTA.Conclusion Although CCTA is a feasible non-invasive tool for assessment of elderly patients with stable chest pain,clinicians should still be cautious about referring elderly patients for CCTA.Patients who are male,diabetic and>78 years of age are significantly less likely to have interpretable scans.
文摘Left ventricular diastolic function in 49 subjccts were studiedcineangiographically and compared with relevant indexes of radionuclide angiography(RNA).Normalizcd peak filling rate(NPFR),1/3 filling fraction(FF1/3),lcftventricular compliance in 23 patients with coronary artery disease(CAD)weresignificantly lower than that in normal control group(n=14),and the time to peak fil-ling rate(TPFR)was longer in CAD patients,Hypertension group(n=12)had someslight changes in left ventricular diastolic function.However,50%(6/12)of paticnts inCAD group with normal EF(EF】0.65)had a diminished NPFR also.FF 1/3 ofcineangiography had a good correlation with that of RNA.The results indicated thatdiastolic filling function estimated cinceangiographically might reflcet earlier and more sensi-tive changes than left ventricular systolic function in patients with CAD.FF 1/3 mea-sured by RNA might also be a useful noninvasive index in evaluating diastolic filling fune-tion.
文摘Objective: To study the coronary artery lesions and clinical features in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD ) coexisting with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM ). Methods: 850 cases CHD patients were divided into 2 groups: patients with NIDDM and patients without NIDDM, the coronary lesions were compared between 2 groups by coronary artery angiography (CAG ) and the clinical characteristics were also studied between 2 groups. Results: More patients with NIDDM had hypertension, stroke, hyperlipemia and family history of NIDDM or CHD. More patients with NIDDM had painless chest pain, and the mortality rate in NIDDM group was higher than that of control group. More patients with NIDDM suffered from middle to serve stenosis of coronary artery and triple CHD and low ejection fraction than without (P<0. 01 ). Conclusion: NIDDM is an independent risk factor for CHD and heart function and the early diagnosis of NIDDM is very important for the prognosis of CHD.
文摘In this case report, we present the occlusion of multiple coronary artery fistulaes originating from proximal left anterior descending （LAD） and fight sinus valsavla and empting to the pulmonary artery at the same place. We occluded LAD fistulae by using thrombus aspira- tion catheter as a delivery guide. To the best of our knowlege, this is the first case of occlusion of coronary fistulaes with the help of throm- bus aspiration catheter. Our experience may suggest that thrombus aspiration catheters can be used in treating coronary artery fistulaes with difficult anotomv.
文摘Objective:To explore the value of angiographic diagnosis and interventional therapy of the coronary artery fine branch fistula.Methods:All of the 18 patients with coronary artery fine branch fistula underwent selective coronary arteriography,7 underwent interventional therapy, while 8 underwent prosthesis for coronary artery fistula (CAF) under extracorpored circulation. Results:Among 18 cases of coronary artery fine branch fistula, 7 happened in right coronary artery (38.9%), 11 in left coronary artery (61.1%). Among the 11 cases in left coronary artery,5 happened in descending anterior branch, 5 occurred in left circumflex branch, 1 arised from both left anterior branch and left circumflex branch. Among the 18 cases, there are 10 cases of coronary-to-pulmonary artery fistula (55.6%), 5 cases of fistula draining into right atrium (27.8%), 2 cases of fistula draining into left atrium (11.1%) and 1 draining into right ventricle (5.6%). Interventional treatment was successful in 7 patients. During the 12 months’ follow-up, there was no cardiovascular events. Conclusion:Selective coronary angiography is the first choice for diagnosing the coronary artery fine branch fistula. In respect of therapy, besides of surgical treatment, intervention is still a rather good measure presently.
文摘Objective To study whether free triiodothyronine （FT3） within normal range has effects on the presence and severity of coronary ar- tery disease （CAD） in different gender and age groups. Methods A total of 4206 euthyroid patients were consecutively enrolled and di- vided into CAD group （n = 3306） and non-CAD group （n = 900）. All patients underwent coronary angiography （CAG）. Gensini score （GS） was used to determine the severity of coronary artery stenosis. Severe CAD was defined as GS 〉 32 and mild CAD was defined as GS 〈 32. Logistic regression analysis and linear regression analysis were conducted to determine the association of FT3 with CAD in patients with different gender and ages. Results Concentration of FT3 was lower in patients with CAD than that in angiography-normal control group （P 〈 0.05）. In addition, concentration of FT3 was lower in severe CAD than that in mild CAD. After adjusting for traditional cardiovascular risk factors and potential confounders, FT3 was negatively correlated with the presence of CAD, but not in the old patients （〉 65 years old）. Mul- tivariable linear regression analysis showed that FT3 was negatively associated with GS in male and young patients with stable CAD, but not in the old patients. Conclusions Low FT3 within normal range was negatively associated with the presence and severity of CAD in young patients, but not in the old ones. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings.
文摘Background and objective To assess the predictive value of C-reactive protein(CRP) for major adverse cardiac events and the association between CRP level and the coronary lesion morphology and extent in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD).Methods CRP was measured on admission in 177 consecutive elderly (age≥60 years) patients with CHD who underwent coronary angiography. Patients were divided into high CRP group (CRP≥3mg/L) and normal CRP group (CRP ＜3mg/L). The association between CRP levels and the coronary lesion features, including severity of stenosis (mild, moderate, severe), extent of lesion (diffused or nondiffused), eccentricity of the plaque (eccentric or non-eccentric) were analyzed. Patients were followed up for a mean of 8 months for the occurrences of major adverse cardiac events (MACE). Results Compared with patients in normal CRP group, patients in high CRP group were more frequently to have unstable angina, multi-vessel, diffuse, eccentric lesions, positive remodeling, and non-smooth plaques (P＜0.01). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed patients in high CRP group had a significantly lower MACE-free survival rate than patients in normal CRP group (Log-rank = 12.0, P＜0.01); Cox regression analysis indicated CRP level as an independent predictor for the occurrence of MACE (OR=3.16, P＜0.05) Conclusions High CRP level is associated with more extend, severe and eccentric coronary lesions and is an independent predictor for MACE in elderly patients with CHD.
