The functional and anatomic evaluation of the cardiovascular system with rapid-acquisition computed tomography (cine CT).

Cine CT combines the advantages of digital cross-sectional imaging with those of angiography. It provides vivid portrayal of complex anatomic relationships as well as important functional data not easily obtainable elsewhere, including quantitation of myocardial wall thickening and regional myocardial blood flow. The blood flow in major vessels following coronary artery bypass graft surgery and cardiac output have been quantified with accuracy. The future of cine CT will depend ultimately on controlled studies comparing this technique with other modalities, including echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging, radionuclide angiocardiography, and contrast-enhanced catheter angiography.