Objective:To study the clinical value of 16-slice spiral CT coronary angiography.Methods:CT coronary angiography was performed on 36 patients with suspected coronary heart disease with the use of 16-slice spiral CT(LightSpeed

GE Healthcare

USA).They were divided into three groups according to their heart rates

group A with heart rate≤65bpm

group B with heart rate from 66bpm to 70bpm

and group C with heart rate from 71bpm to 75bpm.One-sector reconstruction algorithm was used in group A;two-sector reconstruction algorithm was used in group B and group C.Reconstruction phases were placed at 75%R-R interval in advance and at 45%

55%

65% and 85%R-R interval after scanning.Reconstruction images were transmitted to workstation(ADW4.1) and post-processed with the use of a pattern of maximum intensity projection(MIP)

volume rendering(VR) and multi-planar reformation(MPR).The demonstrated coronary artery branches were calculated and analyzed.Results:The demonstrating rate of main branches of coronary artery

including the right coronary artery(RCA)

the left main coronary artery(LM)

the left anterior descending branch(LAD) and the left circumflex branch(LCX)was 100% in group A

those of group B were 91.67%

100%

100%

and 91.67%

respectively

and 80%

100%

90%

and 70%

respectively in group C.The optimal reconstruction phase for LM and LAD was at 75%R-R interval

LCX at 55% R-R interval

RCA at 65% R-R interval.Conclusion:As a noninvasive technique

16-slice spiral CT coronary angiography could demonstrate the anatomy of coronary arteries and their main branches and the characteristics of coronary artery diseases.With the development of CT technology and its increase of clinical application

multi-slice spiral CT would play a great role in coronary artery imaging.