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. 2012;5(3):352-6.
doi: 10.3400/avd.oa.12.00028.

Evaluation of ITA Graft Function Using CT Angiography

Makoto Hashimoto  1 , Akihiko Yamauchi, Shuichi Naraoka, Satomi Inoue, Tetsuya Higami
Affiliations

Evaluation of ITA Graft Function Using CT Angiography

Makoto Hashimoto et al. Ann Vasc Dis. 2012.

Abstract

Objective: A less invasive method to assess internal thoracic artery (ITA) graft function after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is desired. This study reports the novel method to estimate ITA graft function using CT angiography.

Materials and methods: Fifty ITA grafts were assessed. Hounsfield Unit transition of each graft on the same cross section was detected during the Test Bolus Injection, which led to the making of a time density curve (TDC), for each ITA. Variables from the TDC were compared statistically with data obtained from Pulse Doppler Echo (PDE), the best indicator of graft function, of ITA grafts.

Results: The ascending slope of the TDC was significantly associated with the following PDE data: Velocity time integral (VTI), VTI × Heart Rate (HR) and Mean Flow of ITA graft. A multivariate analysis showed an especially strong relationship with the ascending slope of the TDC and VTI × HR (R(2) = 0.588).

Conclusion: The ascending slope of the TDC means the concentration transition of contrast media, which may be affected by the blood stream in the ITA graft. This study suggests the possibility of the ability to assess ITA graft function by CT angiography.

Keywords: coronary artery bypass grafting; ct angiography; ita graft function; time density curve.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
The cross section image where the ITA HU transition data was obtained. White Arrow shows the ITA graft section. ITA: internal thoracic artery; HU: Hounsfield unit
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
The representative Time Density Curve of ITA graft. ITA: internal thoracic artery
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
The scatter plot of ascending slope of TDC and VTI×HR, which shows the linear relationship (y = 64x+327, R2 = 0.588) between ascending slope of TDC and VTIxHR. TDC: time density curve; VTI: velocity thoracic integral; HR: heart rate
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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