Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Identifying Coronary Artery Calcification on Non-gated Computed Tomography Scans
04:40

Identifying Coronary Artery Calcification on Non-gated Computed Tomography Scans

Published on: August 28, 2018

The role of CT angiography in risk stratification for atherosclerosis

Axel Schmermund1, Annett Magedanz, Thomas Voigtländer

  • 1Cardioangiologisches Centrum Bethanien, Im Prüfling 23, Frankfurt am Main, Germany. A.Schmermund@ccb.de

Current Atherosclerosis Reports
|February 21, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Multislice CT coronary angiography (CTA) can assess coronary artery disease by visualizing plaques and vessel dimensions. CTA shows promise for risk stratification, potentially improving patient outcomes in selected cases.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Imaging
  • Radiology
  • Interventional Cardiology

Background:

  • Multislice CT coronary angiography (CTA) provides comprehensive visualization of coronary arteries, including plaque characteristics and vessel dimensions.
  • CTA is established for ruling out high-grade stenoses in intermediate coronary artery disease (CAD) risk patients.
  • Recent advancements extend CTA's role to detailed coronary plaque interrogation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the role of CTA in characterizing coronary plaques in acute coronary syndrome (ACS).
  • To assess the prognostic value of quantifying overall coronary atherosclerosis using CTA.
  • To explore the potential of CTA for risk stratification of coronary atherosclerosis with reduced radiation doses.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of coronary plaques in ACS patients using CTA, focusing on volume, calcification patterns, and remodeling.
  • Review of prospective studies investigating the prognostic power of CTA-derived atherosclerosis quantification.
  • Consideration of novel scanning algorithms for radiation dose reduction in CTA.

Main Results:

  • Culprit plaques in ACS patients showed larger volumes, spottier calcification, and positive remodeling.
  • Quantification of overall coronary atherosclerosis via CTA demonstrated incremental prognostic value beyond conventional risk factors.
  • Emerging data suggest CTA may become a viable option for risk stratification in selected patients, pending further validation.

Conclusions:

  • CTA offers detailed insights into coronary plaque morphology and vessel characteristics.
  • CTA-based quantification of atherosclerosis shows potential for improved prognostic accuracy in CAD.
  • Further research is needed to confirm CTA's prognostic benefit over existing methods and calcium scoring, especially with dose-reduced protocols.

More Related Videos

Time-Resolved, Dynamic Computed Tomography Angiography for Characterization of Aortic Endoleaks and Treatment Guidance via 2D-3D Fusion-Imaging09:32

Time-Resolved, Dynamic Computed Tomography Angiography for Characterization of Aortic Endoleaks and Treatment Guidance via 2D-3D Fusion-Imaging

Published on: December 9, 2021

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...
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...
Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder that leads to the thickening and narrowing of arterial walls due to plaque buildup. This condition can cause various symptoms depending on the arteries affected:Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): This condition affects the coronary arteries and may lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath (dyspnea), heart attacks, and other heart disease symptoms.Cerebrovascular Disease: This affects blood flow to the brain, causing transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)...
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:21

Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Thoracic, aortic arch and abdominal aneurysms are significant vascular conditions that can present with various clinical manifestations and lead to serious complications. Understanding these manifestations and the appropriate diagnostic studies is essential for effective management and treatment.Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsThoracic aortic aneurysms often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size that impinges on adjacent structures. They typically cause deep, diffuse chest pain that radiates to...
Atherosclerosis III: Management01:26

Atherosclerosis III: Management

Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...