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Assessment of coronary artery disease using coronary computed tomography angiography and biochemical markers

Gitsios Gitsioudis1, Hugo A Katus1, Grigorios Korosoglou1

  • 1Gitsios Gitsioudis, Hugo A Katus, Grigorios Korosoglou, Department of Cardiology, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.

World Journal of Cardiology
|July 29, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) non-invasively assesses coronary artery plaque composition and structure. This review explores CCTA

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular imaging and pathology
  • Biomedical engineering and materials science

Background:

  • Chronic inflammation drives atherosclerosis through arterial wall changes like calcification and fibrosis.
  • Coronary artery disease (CAD) assessment requires understanding plaque composition and structure.
  • Non-invasive imaging is crucial for evaluating these complex pathological changes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the technical aspects of quantitative plaque characterization using cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA).
  • To discuss current evidence supporting CCTA in assessing coronary artery plaque.
  • To explore the potential of CCTA for risk stratification in patients with CAD.

Main Methods:

  • Review of technical principles behind CCTA-based quantitative plaque analysis.
  • Synthesis of existing research on CCTA for plaque characterization.
  • Evaluation of CCTA's role in clinical risk stratification for coronary artery disease.

Main Results:

  • CCTA provides a promising non-invasive method for detailed assessment of coronary artery plaque.
  • Quantitative plaque characterization using CCTA is technically feasible and evolving.
  • Evidence suggests CCTA can aid in risk stratification for patients with coronary artery disease.

Conclusions:

  • CCTA is a valuable tool for non-invasively characterizing coronary artery plaque composition and structure.
  • Further research and technical refinement will enhance CCTA's role in managing patients with coronary artery disease.
  • CCTA holds significant potential for improving risk stratification and guiding treatment decisions in CAD.

Keywords:
Atherosclerotic plaque compositionBiomarkersMulti-slice cardiac computed tomographyQuantification analysis

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