[Clinical application of cardiac computed tomography : Current recommendations]

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Medical Imaging
• Diagnostic Technology

Context:

• Cardiac computed tomography (CT) is increasingly utilized for risk stratification in patients with low to intermediate probability of coronary heart disease.
• It plays a crucial role in the management of chronic coronary syndromes, as recognized by European Society of Cardiology guidelines.
• The technology is also fundamental in the preprocedural planning and postinterventional assessment of structural heart diseases, particularly valve interventions.

Purpose:

• To outline the diagnostic capabilities and clinical utility of cardiac CT in evaluating coronary artery disease and structural heart conditions.
• To highlight the role of cardiac CT in guiding therapeutic interventions and improving patient management.
• To emphasize its established standard of care in specific clinical scenarios.

Summary:

• Cardiac CT provides anatomical and morphological assessment of coronary stenosis and plaques, alongside functional evaluation of hemodynamic relevance.
• It enables accurate risk stratification and exclusion of coronary heart disease, supporting clinical decision-making.
• Cardiac CT is integral to preprocedural planning for structural heart interventions and postinterventional assessment, establishing itself as a standard diagnostic tool.

Impact:

• Cardiac CT serves as a critical 'gatekeeper' for coronary interventions, optimizing patient selection.
• It enhances the precision of planning for interventional heart valve procedures, improving outcomes.
• The guideline recommendations underscore the established clinical value and necessity of cardiac CT in modern cardiovascular diagnostics.