Detecting unstable plaques in humans using cardiac CT: Can it guide treatments?

Advances in imaging technology have driven the rapid expansion in the use of CT in the assessment of coronary atherosclerotic plaque. Based on a rapidly growing evidence base, current guidelines recommend coronary CT angiography as the first-line diagnostic test for patients presenting with stable chest pain. There is a growing need to refine current methods for diagnosis and risk stratification to improve the individualisation of preventative therapies. Imaging assessments of high-risk plaque with CT can be used to differentiate stable from unstable patterns of coronary atherosclerosis and potentially to improve patient risk stratification. This review will focus on coronary imaging with CT with a specific focus on the detection of coronary atherosclerosis, high-risk plaque features, and the implications for patient management.