Noninvasive coronary angiography using multislice computerized tomography

Multislice computerized tomography (MSCT) is a relatively new, noninvasive method for evaluating coronary stenosis. In symptomatic patients, the use of MSCT has been shown to be effective in identifying coronary lesions with comparable accuracy to the traditional, catheter-based invasive angiography. With the 64-slice MSCT scanner, units are acquired faster and the slices are thinner, resulting in improved temporal and spatial resolution and coronary artery imaging. Additional benefits of the 64-slice MSCT scanner as compared with the older generation scanners include a shorter period during which the patient must hold his or her breath, a wider range of acceptable heart rates, and the ability to image very obese patients and those with moderate coronary calcium with lower volumes of contrast. The 64-slice MSCT scanner has some limitations, but it demonstrates an improved image resolution that allows for a more precise evaluation. This new generation of MSCT scanners may eventually eliminate the need for invasive coronary angiography.