Cardiac computed tomography--evidence, limitations and clinical application

Coronary CT angiography and coronary calcium scoring offer a new approach to the diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD). They hold significant promise in improving patient outcomes, through identification of atherosclerosis and improved risk assessment. Coronary calcium scoring has proven predictive value concerning the occurrence of future cardiovascular events and outperforms current risk evaluation methods such as the Framingham Risk Score. Coronary CT angiography allows visualisation of the coronary artery lumen, detection of stenoses as well as visualisation of both calcified and non-calcified plaque. The accuracy of coronary CT angiography to detect obstructive coronary artery disease has been established by numerous trials. In particular the negative predictive value of the test approaches 100% in low and intermediate risk groups. Outcomes data demonstrate significant prognostic ability of coronary CT angiography. Modern techniques allow substantial reduction of dose values and radiation exposure of coronary CT angiography has significantly fallen. Coronary CT angiography can be reliably performed with doses similar to the level of annual background radiation, and less than one-third of a Tc Sestamibi scan. Coronary CT angiography has been approved for Medicare reimbursement for specific indications when performed by accredited providers. High quality examinations, experience and careful patient selection and preparation are required to ensure optimal results of coronary CT angiography, and to guide clinical decisions.