A comparative assessment of the performance of a state-of-the art small footprint dedicated cardiovascular CT scanner

Introduction: With increasing adoption of CT coronary angiography (CTA) there is increasing demand for cost-effective, small footprint, dedicated cardiac scanners. We compared a state-of-the-art, small footprint dedicated cardiac scanner (DCCT) to a standard multidetector scanner (MDCT). Methods: The study was a retrospective unblinded single centre study. A total of 800 patients were included, with 400 undergoing a DCCT and MDCT coronary CTA scanning, respectively. Image quality was assessed using a 4-point grading score. Image noise and artifact, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and acceptance rate for CT-derived fractional flow reserve (FFRct) were recorded. Results: Overall image quality was higher in the DCCT group (3.8 +/- 0.55 vs 3.6 +/- 0.69; p = 0.042). There was no difference in overall image noise (p = 0.131) or artifact (p = 0.295). SNR was superior in the DCCT group (14.2 +/- 6.85 vs 11.4 +/- 3.32; p < 0.005) as was CNR (12.7 +/- 6.77 vs 11.9 +/- 3.29; p < 0.005). The heart rate was lower in the DCCT group (56 +/- 9.1 vs 59 +/- 8.1; p < 0.005). No difference in the dose length product (DLP median 244.53 (IQR 105.6) vs 237.63 (IQR 160.1); p = 0.313) or FFRCT acceptance rate (100 vs 97.7%; p > 0.05) was noted. Independent predictors of excellent quality regardless of scanner type were age (p = 0.011), heart rate < 65 bpm (p < 0.005), and body mass index < 35 (p < 0.005). Conclusion: A DCCT scanner is capable of image quality similar to modern current generation general purpose CT technology. Such technology appears to be a viable option to serve the increasing demand for CTCA imaging.

Automated summary

In this study, a small footprint dedicated cardiac scanner (DCCT) was compared to a standard multidetector scanner (MDCT) for CT coronary angiography. The DCCT group showed higher overall image quality, superior signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). The DCCT scanner appears to be a viable option to meet the increasing demand for CTCA imaging.