[Ultrafast CT, MRI].

Abstract

Ultrafast CT and MRI are recently developed imaging technique for cardiac disease. Although direct visualization of coronary inner lumen can be achieved with ultrafast CT and MRI, several limitations including lower spatial and contrast resolution exists for the evaluation of acute coronary syndrome in which rapid and accurate diagnosis should be needed. Since the rupture of atheromatous plaque is essential for acute coronary syndrome, the differentiation between unstable angina and acute myocardial infarction is very important for decision of treatments. Imaging of atheromatous plaque can be performed with ultrafast CT detecting coronary calcium, and with MRI capable of demonstrating atheromatous plaque in T2 weighted images. Coronary inner lumen and atheromatous plaque might be evaluated in the future with these new techniques.