[Diagnosis and Intervention for calcified coronary artery disease--role of multi-slice CT]

Yuji Ikari1, Kengo Tanabe

  • 1Tokai University School of Medicine, Department of Cardiology.

Clinical Calcium
|July 5, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Coronary calcification complicates treatment and diagnosis. While multi-slice CT (MDCT) detects calcification, accurately quantifying stenosis remains challenging for these complex atherosclerotic lesions.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Atherosclerotic lesions have long been known to contain calcification, with mechanisms remaining unclear.
  • Current treatments like percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stents are challenged by calcified coronary lesions.
  • Stent under-expansion during high-pressure dilatation is a significant issue in treating calcified coronary stenoses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the diagnostic capabilities of multi-slice CT (MDCT) in identifying coronary calcification.
  • To address the limitations of current imaging techniques in quantifying stenosis within calcified lesions.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing multi-slice CT (MDCT) for non-invasive diagnosis of coronary stenoses.
  • Observing the ease of detection of coronary calcification via MDCT.

Main Results:

  • MDCT enables non-invasive detection of coronary calcification.
  • Quantification of stenosis severity in calcified coronary lesions remains difficult despite MDCT's detection capabilities.

Conclusions:

  • Coronary calcification presents a significant challenge in both diagnosis and treatment of atherosclerotic disease.
  • MDCT is effective for detecting calcification but limited in precise stenosis quantification in these cases.

Related Concept Videos

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT01:25

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT

Calcium-Scoring CT ScanA calcium-scoring CT scan, also known as coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan, detects calcium deposits in the coronary arteries. This test assesses the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to cardiovascular events such as angina, heart failure, and sudden cardiac arrest.A calcium-scoring CT scan is generally recommended for individuals at intermediate risk of CAD without symptoms. It includes:Men aged 40-75 and women aged 50-75: Especially those with a...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT01:28

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT

Cardiac computed tomography (CT) scanning is an advanced cardiac imaging technique that utilizes CT technology, with or without intravenous (IV) contrast, to produce accurate cross-sectional virtual slices of specific areas of the heart, coronary circulation, and major blood vessels such as the aorta, pulmonary veins, and arteries. The computer processes these slices to generate three-dimensional images. Multidetector CT (MDCT) is a rapid form of CT scanning that captures multiple slices...
Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care01:27

Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care

Interprofessional care for coronary artery disease includes pharmacological therapy and revascularization procedures.Pharmacological therapy for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) aims to manage symptoms, prevent complications, and improve patient outcomes through various classes of medications:Antiplatelet Agents:Aspirin and Clopidogrel: These medications inhibit platelet aggregation, preventing blood clots, which is crucial for avoiding heart attacks and strokes. Doctors often prescribe these...
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray01:20

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray

The most common cardiovascular diagnostic test is an X-ray. It produces images of the heart, blood vessels, and adjacent structures.
Definition and Purpose
An X-ray, or radiograph, is a non-invasive method that uses ionizing radiation to take images of internal structures. It is mainly used in cardiac imaging to examine the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels, aiming to identify abnormalities in the heart's size, shape, and position, such as heart failure, congenital defects, and vascular...
Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care01:28

Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care

IntroductionThe management of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) aims to minimize myocardial damage, preserve myocardial function, and prevent complications.Initial ManagementInpatient management involves continuous cardiac monitoring, preferably in an ICU, focusing on blood pressure, serum sodium, potassium, and creatinine levels, and urine output. Ongoing pharmacologic management is crucial for stabilizing the patient.Supplemental Oxygen: Administer supplemental oxygen if oxygen saturation is...