FIRST EXPERIENCES IN ULTRAFAST CT OF THE HEART - A COMPARISON TO ANGIOGRAPHIC AND ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC FINDINGS

Aim: To evaluate the diagnostic value of ultrafast CT in comparison to established methods in cardiology. Material and methods: Cone and flo w studies were performed in 30 patients with cardiac diseases on evolu tion CT. Cardiac structure and function were analysed visually and qua ntitatively (left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular myoc ardial mass,patency of coronary arteries, perfusion of left ventricula r myocardium). The CT findings were compared with echocardiographic an d angiographic findings. Results: Cardiac structure, functional parame ters and disorders of myocardial contraction were clearly detectable b y ultrafast CT, which proved inferior in assessing cardiac valves. The patency of the first and second third of: normal main coronary arteri es could be estimated correctly. The estimation of the distal third, o f obstructed coronary arteries and of the role of collaterals was impo ssible. Ten of 16 areas of myocardial infarction showed low or no enha ncement. Conclusions: Ultrafast CT excellently reflects cardiac struct ure and function. It is an alternative to echocardiography. In view of the results of coronary artery patency one can hope that part of card iac catheterisation would be avoidable in future.