Noninvasive Computed Tomography–Derived Fractional Flow Reserve Based on Structural and Fluid Analysis: Reproducibility of On-site Determination by Unexperienced Observers. Issue 2 (March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ri, Keiken; Kumamaru, Kanako K.; Fujimoto, Shinichiro; Kawaguchi, Yuko; Dohi, Tomotaka; Yamada, Sou; Takamura, Kazuhisa; Kogure, Yosuke; Yamada, Norikazu; Kato, Etsuro; Irie, Ryusuke; Takamura, Tomohiro; Suzuki, Michimasa; Hori, Masaaki; Aoki, Shigeki; Daida, Hiroyuki
• Is Part Of: Journal of computer assisted tomography. Volume 42:Issue 2(2018)
• Publication Date: 2018-03
• Subjects: computed tomography -- coronary disease -- fractional flow reserve -- imaging -- reproducibility; Tomography -- Periodicals; Tomography -- Periodicals; Tomography; Periodicals; 616.0757
• DOI: 10.1097/RCT.0000000000000679
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0363-8715

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the reproducibility of computed tomography (CT)–derived fractional flow reserve (FFR) determined on site by inexperienced observers using a postprocessing software based on structural and fluid analysis. Methods: Using 21 coronary vessels in 7 patients who underwent 320-row coronary CT angiography and catheter-FFR, 2 independent inexperienced observers (A: a student radiation technologist; B: a nonmedical staff) determined the CT-FFR using a postprocessing software. After a 20-minute training session, both observers postprocessed all vessels and readjusted their settings after another training/feedback. These CT-FFRs were compared with values determined by an expert analyst. Results: The mean processing times were 23 ± 4 minutes (automatic), 71 ± 5 minutes (observer A), and 57 ± 7 minutes (observer B) per patient. The initial correlations with expert data were r = 0.92 (observer A) and 0.73 (observer B) and increased to 0.83 for observer B after additional training. The final absolute difference with the expert data was 0.000 to 0.020. The correlation between catheter-FFR and expert CT-FFR was r = 0.76. Conclusions: The CT-derived FFR on-site postprocessing software showed good reproducibility for measurements by inexperienced observers.