BACKGROUND: First-generation and second-generation dual-source computed tomography (DSCT) are useful for analyzing left ventricle (LV) structure and function. This pilot study aimed to investigate the feasibility and role of third-generation DSCT for the evaluation of dynamic changes in LV structural and functional characteristics in a Diannan small-ear pig model of acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The model of AMI was established by balloon occlusion of the distal third of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery in 14 Diannan small-eared pigs. Third-generation DSCT was performed to observe dynamic changes in LV structure and function before and after AMI was induced, with a follow-up period of 30 days.

RESULTS: The mean structural measurements at baseline included interventricular septum thickness (8.50±0.90 mm), LV anterior wall thickness (8.40±1.30 mm), LV posterior wall thickness (7.80±1.20 mm), LV end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD) (45.00±4.90 mm), and LV end-systolic dimension (LVESD) (25.90±4.10 mm). The mean functional measurements at baseline included the LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) (74.62±13.54 ml), LV end-systolic volume (LVESV) (23.06±7.46 ml), LV ejection fraction (LVEF) (69.29±6.83%), LV mass (86.35±14.02 g), stroke volume (SV) (51.56±9.77 ml), and cardiac output (CO) (4.22±2.14 l/min). Trends of time-dependent changes were observed for LVESV, LVEF, SV, and CO, but not for LVEDV or LV mass.

CONCLUSIONS: Third-generation DSCT was validated as a tool for assessing dynamic changes in LV global function in a porcine model of AMI.

Keywords: Coronary Artery Disease, multidetector computed tomography, Swine, Ventricular Function, Left, Cardiac Output, Heart Ventricles, Pilot Projects, Stroke Volume, Tomography, X-Ray Computed