Influence of intracoronary attenuation on coronary plaque measurements using multislice computed tomogarphy : observation in an ex vivo model of coronary computed tomography angiography

Influenza dei filtri di convoluzione sulla misurazione dei valori di attenuazione della placca durante angiografia coronarica mediante TC multistrato

Influence of increasing convolution kernel filtering on plaque imaging with multislice CT using an ex-vivo model of coronary angiography

PURPOSE: To assess the variability in attenuation of coronary plaques with multislice CT-angiography (MSCT-CA) in an ex-vivo model with varying convolution kernels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MSCT-CA (Sensation 16, Siemens) was performed in three ex-vivo left coronary arteries after instillation of contrast material solution (Iomeprol 400 mgI/ml, dilution: 1/80). The specimens were placed in oil to simulate epicardial fat. Scan parameters: slices 16/0.75 mm, rotation time 375 ms, feed/rotation 3.0 mm, mAs 500, slice thickness 1 mm, and FOV 50 mm. Datasets were reconstructed using 4 different kernels (B30f-smooth, B36f-medium smooth, B46f-medium, and B60f-sharp). Each scan was scored for the pre…