Intra-cycle motion correction in coronary CT angiography

Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) has demonstrated high diagnostic performance for coronary lesions detection. However, coronary artery motion blurring, related to high or variable heart rate (HR) is a common drawback. Recently, a novel intracycle motion-correction (MC) algorithm has been developed. Aim of the present review is to evaluate the published literature regarding the impact of MC algorithm compared with standard reconstruction on diagnostic performance of CCTA and to integrate the published data with our local experience. The 2 single-center published studies showed a significant improvement of image quality and coronary interpretability in per-segment and per-artery analysis with MC reconstruction. In the study of Fuchs, these data were obtained using low radiation dose. The study of Leipsic also showed an improvement of diagnostic accuracy. Our experience is consistent with the literature data, demonstrating better coronary evaluability in high HR patients. The multicenter trial ViCTORY will determine if MC algorithm will allow a routine improvement of CCTA diagnostic performance.