Influence of cardiac function on image quality in coronary computed tomography angiography

To evaluate the correlation between cardiac functional parameters and image quality in coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). Sixty-six patients who underwent both CCTA and echocardiography were included. The coronary artery attenuation values and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNR) were measured in the proximal right coronary arteries (RCA) and left main (LM) trunk. Then, the averages of the mean values derived from RCA and LM were calculated. The cardiac output (CO), left atrial (LA) volume, and early mitral inflow velocity to mitral annular early diastolic velocity ratio (E/e′) were measured by echocardiography. The relationship of cardiac parameters with arterial attenuation and CNR were assessed by Pearson's correlation, Spearman's rank correlation and multivariable linear regression analysis adjusted for age, gender, body surface area and heart rate. The coronary artery attenuation value was negatively correlated with CO (r = −0.30, p = 0.01) and LA volume (r = −0.37, p = 0.002). CNR was negatively correlated with LA volume (r = −0.4, p = 0.001) and E/e′ (r = −0.27, p = 0.03). These associations remained significant in the multivariable analysis. CO and diastolic function had an impact on image quality of CCTA. Adjusting CCTA protocol may improve image quality in patients with known diastolic dysfunction or reduced cardiac output. •LA volume and E/e’ may be effect on the imaging quality in the CCTA.•CO also effects on the contrast enhancement of CCTA.•Patients with diastolic dysfunction could potentially benefit from CT protocol modification.