The role of cardiac CT for function: Evaluation of perfusion, volumetric analysis, and regional wall motion assessment

Multidetector technology has enabled computed tomography (CT) to overcome limitations in temporal and spatial resolution, thereby providing important functional cardiac information. Perfusion imaging can be used to localize areas of recent and remote myocardial infarction. Volumetric analysis by CT now approaches magnetic resonance in accuracy and allows for the calculation of left ventricular ejection fraction. Finally, wall motion abnormalities in both acute and nonacute settings can be identified with good accuracy. These 3 functional parameters can be extrapolated from CT coronary angiographic data, which provides additional diagnostic and prognostic information in patients with cardiac dysfunction.