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Updated: Aug 7, 2026

Identifying Coronary Artery Calcification on Non-gated Computed Tomography Scans
Published on: August 28, 2018
Coronary angiography, lesion classification and severity assessment
1Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, Cardiovascular Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Box 1030, One Gustave Place, New York, NY 10029, USA. annapoorna.kini@msnyuhealth.org
Insights
Coronary angiography is a reliable tool for assessing coronary artery disease, but advanced techniques like intravascular ultrasound and fractional flow reserve may be needed for borderline lesions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Interventional Cardiology
Background:
- Established criteria for balloon angioplasty success rates in 1988.
- Coronary intervention techniques have advanced, improving percutaneous revascularization safety and efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evolving assessment of coronary artery lesions.
- To highlight the role of advanced imaging and physiological measures.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical criteria and current advancements in coronary intervention.
- Discussion of coronary angiography, intravascular ultrasound, and physiological assessments (coronary flow reserve, fractional flow reserve).
Main Results:
- Coronary angiography is generally reliable but can be inconclusive for borderline lesions (40%-60% obstruction).
- Advanced anatomical and physiological assessments are crucial for comprehensive lesion evaluation.
Conclusions:
- Modern coronary intervention has improved outcomes for high-risk patients.
- Integrated anatomical and physiological assessments are essential for optimal percutaneous coronary intervention planning and execution.
Abstract:
A joint task force of the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association established criteria in 1988 to estimate procedural success and complication rates after balloon angioplasty, based on the presence or absence of specific lesion characteristics. Advances in the technique of coronary intervention over the years have changed the management of patients who have coronary artery disease, resulting in safer and more effective percutaneous revascularization in patients previously deemed at high risk for nonsurgical approaches. Coronary angiography (visual or quantitative) is a simple,easy, and mostly reliable tool in the assessment of lesion severity, but it may be inconclusive in the borderline lesions (40% to 60% diameter obstruction). Anatomical (using intravascular ultrasound) and physiological (using coronary flow reserve or fractional flow reserve) lesion assessment may be required for adequate lesion evaluation, before and after percutaneous coronary intervention.
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