Role Of Dual-Source Multidetector Row CT In Assessment Of Global And Regional Left Ventricular Function

In patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), LV function and volumes are important parameters for long-term prognosis. Multislice computed tomography (MSCT) allows non-invasive assessment of the coronary arteries, but the accuracy of Dual-Source 64-slice MSCT for the assessment of left ventricular (LV) function and volumes is unknown.Aim of the work: is to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of dual source multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) in assessment of global and regional left ventricular (LV) function in comparison with echocardiography.Methods and Results: A head-to-head comparison between Dual-Source 64-slice MSCT and 2-dimensional (2D) echocardiography was performed in 30 patients with known or suspected CAD. The LV ejection fraction (LVEF) was derived. The LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) and LV end-systolic volume (LVESV) were determined. Regional wall motion was assessed visually using a 17-segment model. A 4-point scoring system was used to assign to each segment a wall motion score:1-normokinesia, 2-hypokinesia, 3-akinesia, 4- dyskinesia.Two-dimensional echocardiography served as the gold standard.An excellent correlation between MSCT and 2D echocardiography was shown for the evaluation of LVEF (r = 0.97; p < .0001). Agreement for the assessment of regional wall motion was excellent (96%, қ =0.86). MSCT agreed well with 2D echocardiography for assessment of LVEDV (r = 0.91; p < .0001) and LVESV (r = 0.98; p < .0001).Conclusions: An accurate assessment of global and regional LV function and volumes is feasible with Dual-Source 64-slice MSCT.________________________________________Key Words: Multislice computed tomography • left ventricular function • echocardiography.