[ECG-triggered MDR-CT for the detection of pulmonary metastases].

PURPOSE: Comparison of multidetector-row CT (MDR-CT) of the chest with and without ECG triggering for the detection of pulmonary metastases.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Fifty patients with malignant tumors underwent CT of the chest. The unenhanced phase was performed with ECG-triggered MDR-CT and the contrast-enhanced phase with helical MDR-CT. The ECG-triggered and standard helical scans were interpreted in separate sessions, with the analysis determining the number and demarcation of the intrapulmonary nodules and the delineation of the mediastinal structure (rated 1 = excellent to 5 = poor).

RESULTS

ECG-MDR-CT images detected 38 % more pulmonary nodules than MDR-CT. The detection rate for tumors < 5 mm was 64 % higher in ECG-triggered scans. The median demarcation rating of all pulmonary findings was 2 for ECG-MDR-CT and 3 for MDR-CT. The median demarcation rating of tumors < 5 mm was 3 for ECG-MDR-CT and 4 for MDR-CT. Mediastinal structures were better delineated by ECG-triggering. The median demarcation rating of the vessels and left bronchus was 2 for ECG-MDR-CT and 4 for MDR-CT. Detection rate and demarcation rating of pulmonary tumors and the delineation of mediastinal structures were not significant different for either CT technique.

CONCLUSION

Our study indicates superiority for ECG-MDR-CT.