[Diagnostic accuracy, limits and practical implications of Multidetector Computed Tomography Coronarography. About...

Non-invasive examination of coronary artery disease is an attractive and rapidly evolving possibility. In certain clinical situations ,multi-detector computed tomography coronarography (MDCT) is currently considered as a promising technique alternative to conventional coronary angiography (CCA).

We suggest from our personal study and from a review of the literature, to analyze diagnostic accuracy of MDCT , its limits and to deduct, its practical implications and its indications.

105 patients underwent 64-slice MDCT . Coronary angiography was performed every time when the MDCT was pathologic. In two cases the MDCT was realized in complement of inconclusive coronary angiography .Study of coronary arteries was based on "per -segment" and "per- patients" analyse Results : The mean age was 63,3 years., sex ratio was 0 ,7. Hypertension was noted in 63% of cases 29 ,9 % of patients had mellitus diabetes.The initial clinical presentation was unusual chest pain in 46 patients, exercise chest pain in 40 cases. the MDCT was done for the detection of silent ischemia In 5 cases, for screening of CAD in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy in 5 cases , before cardiac surgery in 3 case and before non cardiac surgery in 2 cases. MDCT was normal in 30 patients ( 28% ) so coronary angiography was avoided in 60% of patients with unusual chest pain, and in 50% of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and in also in 50% of patients selected for cardiac or non cardiac surgery. In per-segment study the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of the MDCT in detecting coronary stenosis were respectively 89 %,98% , 91% and 97% versus, 98%,89%,94%, 95% the per-patient evaluation .The MDCT was inclusive in10 patients because .of calcifications in 8 cases and because uncontrolled unchecked heart rate in 40 cases Conclusion : our results for negative predictive value of MDCT are similar to reports from the literature. This suggests that in this clinical setting , MDCT may replace coronary in patients with low probability of coronary artery diseases, its is also useful for assessment of cardiomyopathy and before cardiac or non cardiac surgery.