CT anatomy of the heart

Contrast-enhanced ECG-gated multidetector CT provides high contrast and spatial resolution for imaging the thoracic organs. High photon flux, very rapid gantry rotation, and very sensitive photon detectors optimize the scanner for cardiac imaging. ECG-gating (and pharmacological intervention, i.e., beta-blockade), have increased temporal resolution. The structure of the heart is revealed in a manner convenient for all radiologists. The atria and ventricles display their characteristic morphology. Antero-posterior and left-to-right relationships are apparent. Viewing through space, or reconstructing in orthogonal planes enforces the supero-inferior relationships as well. Appreciation of normal structure is the foundation for detecting the abnormal.