Classic images: coronary computed tomographic angiography

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Imaging
• Radiology
• Cardiac CT

Background:

• Coronary arteries are susceptible to diverse congenital and acquired conditions, including common atherosclerotic disease and rare anomalies.
• Diagnosing coronary artery conditions presents unique challenges in cardiac imaging.
• Cardiac computed tomography (CT) is a key modality for visualizing coronary arteries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss technical aspects of coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA).
• To review the spectrum of coronary abnormalities detectable with CCTA.
• To demonstrate typical imaging findings of common and uncommon coronary artery diseases.

Main Methods:

• Review of technical considerations for performing CCTA.
• Systematic review of imaging findings for various coronary artery pathologies.
• Illustration of characteristic CCTA appearances for a range of coronary conditions.

Main Results:

• CCTA is effective in visualizing coronary artery anatomy and pathology.
• A wide range of coronary abnormalities, from atherosclerotic disease to rare anomalies, can be identified.
• Specific imaging features aid in classifying and stratifying coronary artery diseases.

Conclusions:

• CCTA is a valuable tool for evaluating coronary artery diseases.
• Understanding CCTA technical aspects and disease spectrum is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
• This review provides a guide to interpreting common and uncommon coronary artery findings on CCTA.