Stress CT perfusion: coupling coronary anatomy with physiology

Abstract

While multiple different imaging tests can be used to evaluate patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease (CAD), each of them is designed to evaluate either coronary anatomy or physiology. Recently, it has been recognized that cardiac CT can be used to evaluate stress and rest myocardial perfusion in addition to its capabilities to image the coronary arteries, thus allowing for the simultaneous evaluation of the anatomical burden and physiological significance of CAD in a single exam. In this review, the strengths and the limitations of imaging coronary anatomy and myocardial perfusion will be discussed. Next, key technical aspects of how to perform and interpret CT perfusion imaging will be summarized while providing an update of the most recent data in this emerging field. Finally, future directions and opportunities for further research will be discussed.