[More coronary computed tomography angiographies and less exercise electrocardiograms in patients under investigation

Henrik Löfmark1, Helge Brandberg2, Ellen Ostenfeld3

  • 1doktorand, överläkare, hjärtkliniken, Danderyds sjukhus; Karolinska institutet, Stockholm.

Lakartidningen
|February 9, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Diagnosing chronic coronary syndrome involves assessing risk factors and medical history. Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is recommended for low-intermediate likelihood, while functional tests are for intermediate-high likelihood, but CCTA availability is limited in Sweden.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Diagnostic Imaging
  • Medical Diagnostics

Context:

  • Chronic coronary syndrome diagnosis relies on clinical assessment and risk factors.
  • Confirmation requires anatomical or functional testing, with test selection based on clinical likelihood, patient factors, and resource availability.
  • Current diagnostic strategies include coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and functional non-invasive tests like stress echocardiography.

Purpose:

  • To outline diagnostic recommendations for chronic coronary syndrome.
  • To guide the selection of appropriate non-invasive diagnostic tests based on pre-test probability and patient characteristics.
  • To highlight the current limitations in the availability of CCTA in Sweden.

Summary:

  • Chronic coronary syndrome diagnosis is initiated via medical history and risk factor evaluation.
  • Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is advised for low-to-intermediate likelihood cases, whereas functional tests are preferred for intermediate-to-high likelihood.
  • Exercise electrocardiogram is a low-sensitivity option, reserved for situations where other imaging modalities are inaccessible.

Impact:

  • Informs clinical decision-making for chronic coronary syndrome diagnosis.
  • Highlights the need to improve access to advanced diagnostic tools like CCTA.
  • Addresses disparities in diagnostic test availability within Sweden.

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