Heng Shao, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Zhi-Gang Yang, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Li-Qing Peng, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Several previous studies focused on the evaluation of diseased aortic valve using dual-source CT. However, there are still no studies published on evaluation of normal aortic valve using DSCT. The purpose of this study was to determine the morphological and dynamic features of normal aortic valve through cardiac cycle by using dual-source CT (DSCT) coronary angiography, and to provide functional anatomical parameters in normal subjects for further study of aortic valve diseases.

A total of 98 subjects who underwent retrospectively gated DSCT coronary angiography and meet our criteria were enrolled in our study. Ten cardiac phases were reconstructed in 10% step of R-R interval, and data analysis was performed using four-dimensional (4D) cardiac software. Planimetry of Aortic valve area (AVA) was performed on short axis view of aortic root. Aortic annulus diameters (AAD) were measured on oblique sagittal view and on oblique coronal view.

Aortic valve opened in 10%-30% phases and closed in 40%-0% phases in the majority. The maximum AVA was 3.86 ± 0.82 cm2 in 10% phase, while the minimum AVA was 3.01 ± 0.90 cm2 in 30% phase (p < 0.001). The maximum and minimum AAD on oblique coronal view were 2.51 ± 0.26 cm in 90% phase and 2.42 ± 0.27 cm in 30% phase, respectively (p < 0.001), while the maximum and minimum AAD on oblique sagittal view were 2.25 ± 0.24 cm in 0% phase and 2.11 ± 0.23 cm in 90% phase, respectively (p < 0.001). The AAD on oblique coronal view was greater than that on oblique sagittal view in each phase (p < 0.001).

Retrospectively ECG-gated DSCT offers a noninvasive imaging method for evaluating the morphological and dynamic features of the normal aortic valve throughout the cardiac cycle.

To clarify the physiological features of normal aortic valve in vivo could be useful for understanding the pathophysiologic process of aortic valve diseases.

Shao, H, Yang, Z, Peng, L, Dynamic Assessment of Normal Aortic Valve throughout the Cardiac Cycle Using Dual-Source Computed Tomography.  Radiological Society of North America 2011 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 26 - December 2, 2011 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2011/11007013.html