Advances in computed tomography-based evaluation of coronary arteries: a review of coronary artery imaging with multidetector spiral computed tomography

Abstract

Noninvasive imaging of coronary arteries with computed tomography (CT) has become increasingly accurate with the technological advances in multidetector CT (MDCT). The authors review the utility of MDCT in quantitative and qualitative evaluations of coronary stenosis, plaques, bypass grafts, and stents. Recent studies demonstrate a high accuracy of MDCT in locating significant coronary stenosis, which may allow CT angiography to become an important screening tool for coronary artery disease in selected patient populations. Although factors such as arrhythmias, heart rate, calcifications, and patients' ability to hold their breath may limit the patient population that will ultimately benefit from this technology, MDCT coronary angiography has significant clinical potential. Studies are still needed to clarify the clinical role for CT angiography, but advances in this noninvasive technology are impressive and hold promise for clinical utility.