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When, Why, and How to Examine the Heart During Thoracic CT: Part 1, Basic Principles

¹ Department of Radiology, Hospital Calmette, Boulevard Pr. J. Leclerq, Lille 59037, France.
² Present address: Department of Thoracic Imaging, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Box 57, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030-4095.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE. MDCT systems with fast scanning capabilities can acquire images of the thorax with reduced cardiac motion artifacts, enabling improved evaluation of the heart and surrounding structures in the course of routine thoracic CT. This article describes the principles of including an evaluation of the heart in the course of a chest CT examination in terms of both examination technique and image interpretation. In addition, both the normal appearances and some of the most common abnormal appearances of the cardiac structures will be described.

CONCLUSION. Details concerning the cardiac structures can inform interpretation of thoracic CT studies and can influence the patient's clinical management. Both unenhanced and contrast-enhanced scans can detect significant cardiac disorders that may otherwise go undetected. In certain situations, a CT examination of the entire chest, complemented by cardiac gating, can provide a more dedicated analysis of the heart and coronary arteries, providing both morphologic and functional information.

Keywords: cardiac gating • cardiopulmonary imaging • chest • heart • MDCT • motion artifacts • thoracic CT

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				J. F. Bruzzi, M. Remy-Jardin, D. Delhaye, A. Teisseire, C. Khalil, and J. Remy When, Why, and How to Examine the Heart During Thoracic CT: Part 2, Clinical Applications Am. J. Roentgenol., February 1, 2006; 186(2): 333 - 341. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]