“We found that ultrahigh-spatial-resolution reconstructions resulted in significant changes in recommendations for over 50% of patients,” Dr. Emrich said. “The impact was particularly notable in cases with calcified plaques, where ultrahigh-spatial-resolution reduced the overestimation of stenosis.”
Dr. Emrich explained that ultrahigh-spatial-resolution may address the current limitations of conventional cardiac CT angiography by reducing the overestimation of stenosis due to calcium blooming, an effect which can cause small, high-density structures—such as calcifications—to appear larger than their true size.

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“This could significantly alter recommendations for downstream testing, potentially leading to a reduction of unnecessary procedures (and their potential complications) and reduced healthcare costs,” he said.
No substantial benefits of ultrahigh-spatial-resolution were observed for mixed and non-calcified plaques.
“It is important to note that these findings are from a simulation study, and further validation is needed in real-world comparisons,” Dr. Emrich said.
“Ultrahigh-Spatial-Resolution Photon-counting Detector CT Angiography of Coronary Artery Disease for Stenosis Assessment.” Collaborating with Dr. Emrich were Moritz C. Halfmann, M.D., Stefanie Bockius, M.D., Michaela Hell, M.D., U. Joseph Schoepf, M.D., Gerald S. Laux, M.D., Larissa Kavermann, M.D., Dirk Graafen, M.D., Tomasso Gori, M.D., Ph.D., Yang Yang, M.D., Roman Klöckner, M.D., Pál Maurovich-Horvat, M.D., Ph.D., Jens Ricke, M.D., Lukas Müller, M.D., Akos Varga-Szemes, M.D., Ph.D., and Nicola Fink, M.D.
Radiology is edited by Linda Moy, M.D., New York University, New York, N.Y., and owned and published by the Radiological Society of North America, Inc.
About RSNA
RSNA is an association of radiologists, radiation oncologists, medical physicists and related scientists promoting excellence in patient care and health care delivery through education, research and technologic innovation. The Society is based in Oak Brook, Illinois.
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