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Multislice computed tomographic coronary angiography: experience in a UK centre.
G J Morgan-Hughes1, A J Marshall, C A Roobottom
1Department of Cardiology, South West Cardiothoracic Centre, Plymouth NHS Trust, Plymouth, UK. hughesgj@talk21.com
Clinical Radiology
|May 3, 2003
Summary
Four-slice computed tomography (CT) coronary angiography shows limited assessability and diagnostic accuracy for detecting coronary artery stenosis. Further research into 16 and 32 slice CT angiography is recommended for clinical use.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Radiology
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Coronary angiography is a standard diagnostic procedure.
- Advancements in computed tomography (CT) technology offer potential for non-invasive coronary imaging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic performance of retrospectively electrocardiogram (ECG)-gated four-slice helical CT coronary angiography.
- To compare CT coronary angiography with conventional coronary angiography.
Main Methods:
- 30 patients underwent both conventional coronary angiography and four-slice CT coronary angiography.
- Proximal and mid-coronary artery segments were assessed for stenosis by blinded evaluators.
- Assessability and diagnostic accuracy of CT angiography were determined.
Main Results:
- 68% of coronary artery segments were assessable by four-slice CT.
- Sensitivity and specificity for detecting significant stenosis (>=70%) were 72% and 86% in assessable segments.
- Overall sensitivity and specificity dropped to 49% and 66% when non-assessable segments were included.
Conclusions:
- Four-slice CT coronary angiography demonstrates insufficient assessability and diagnostic accuracy for routine clinical application.
- Higher slice counts (16 and 32 slice) may offer improved performance and warrant further investigation.