Volumetric coronary angiography using the 256-detector row computed tomography scanner: Comparison in vivo and in vitro with porcine models

Purpose: To investigate the feasibility of volumetric cine imaging in human cardiac studies by comparing in vivo and in vitro coronary angiography using a 256-detector row computed tomography (CT) without ECG gating. Material and Methods: The left and right coronary arteries of two domestic pigs were scanned in vivo and in vitro in cine mode using the 256-detector row CT. The device scanned approximately 100 mm in the cranio-caudal direction with one rotation, with a slice thickness of 0.5 mm. Results: The coronary arteries could be observed to the third-degree branches in vitro, but could be visualized clearly only to the proximal portion (first-degree or second-degree branches) in vivo. Conclusion: Application of cardiac volumetric cine imaging with 256-detector row CT may be a promising means of obtaining diagnostic information and has potential for adoption to human studies.