Rapid acquisition computed tomographic assessment of left ventricular regional wall motion using a new long axis view.

A long axis view to demonstrate left ventricular regional wall motion was devised for the ultrafast CT scanner. The patients are positioned supine, head first, into the scanner. The scan table is slewed 20 degrees counter-clockwise in the horizontal plane without tilt. A bolus of contrast is injected via a median antecubital vein. Contiguous level R wave triggered cine studies are obtained during peak passage of contrast through the heart to image the entire left ventricular cavity. Fourteen patients had left ventricular wall motion compared by long axis CT and RAO 30 degrees single plane ventriculography at catheterization. In all cases, regional wall motion in comparable segments by both methods was in agreement. It is concluded that the ultrafast CT long axis view permits diagnosis of left ventricular regional wall motion abnormalities. This view images the apex and sections the interventricular septum and lateral free wall horizontally. Unlike conventional CT views, it is comparable to the RAO left ventriculogram.