Estimation of global and regional cardiac function using 64-slice computed tomography: A comparison study with echocardiography, gated-SPECT and cardiovascular magnetic resonance

Background: Sixty-four-slice multidetector spiral computed tomography ( CT) has improved temporal resolution and reduced acquisition time. We aimed to evaluate the functional analysis using 64-slice CT comparing with echocardiography, electrocardiographically gated single-photon emission tomography (SPECT) and cardiovascular magnetic resonance ( CMR). Methods: Six-three patients ( 77.4 +/- 18.6 bpm) underwent 64-slice CT and CMR ( echocardiography in 55; SPECT in 33) within 2 weeks were retrospectively reviewed. The left ventricular volumetric data from different methods were compared with CMR. Regional wall motion was compared between CT and CMR in a 17-segment and 4-point system (1=normal to 4=akinesis/dyskinesis). Results: Ejection fraction ( EF), end-diastolic volume ( EDV) and end-systolic volume (ESV) by CT agreed well with CMR ( bias +/- SD, -0.22% +/- 4.18, r=0.97;-0.59 mL +/- 15.21, r=0.98; 1.09 mL +/- 10.61, r=0.99) over a wide range of left ventricular ( LV) function ( EF 18-76% by CMR). Our results also showed good correlation of EF measured by CT and echocardiography ( r=0.87) or SPECT ( r=0.91, all P<0.0001); however, standard deviation of EF difference between CT and CMR was significantly less than echocardiography or SPECT ( P<0.005). For regional wall motion, an exact agreement of 97% (kappa=0.91) was found between CT and CMR. Conclusion: Sixty-four-slice CT agreed well with CMR in LV function assessment, and had a superior accuracy than echocardiography and SPECT on EF estimation. Sixty-four-slice CT is considered a clinically acceptable and robust method to evaluate LV function. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.