Experimental study of multi-slice CT for the evaluation of atherosclerotic plaques

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic values of MSCT for detecting atherosclerotic plaques on New Zealand rabbits models in comparison with pathologic results. Methods Fifteen New Zealand rabbits were enrolled in this study, including 5 with balloon injury and high-fat diet ( group A), 5 with high-fat diet only (group B) and 5 with regular feed (group C). 16th week late, contrast-enhanced MSCT scan was performed in all rabbits with 16 slice MSCT (16-MSCT) in group A and 64 slice MSCT (64-MSCT) in group B and C. The CT and pathological findings were compared in a double-blind manner. The sensitivities and specificities of 16-MSCT and 64-MSCT for detecting atherosclerotic plaques were evaluated by using Fisher test and x2 test. Results Sixty and seventy-five images on 16-MSCT and 64-MSCT had corresponding pathological slices. The sensitivities for the detection of plaques on 16-MSCT and 64-MSCT were 41.5% (22/53) and 64. 9% (24/37), and spocificities of 85. 7% (6/7) and 89. 5% (34/38), respectively. Conclusions 64-MSCT has a higher sensitivity in the detection of atherosclerotic plaques than 16-MSCT. Both scanners can be used to preclude the diagnosis of atherosclerosis. Key words: Atherosclerosis;  Tomography,X-ray computed ;  Pathology ;  Animals, laboratory