Non-Invasive Imaging for Coronary Artery Disease [Internet]

Excerpt

This report describes an evaluation of the available scientific evidence on direct non-invasive imaging tests (NITs) for coronary artery disease. In particular, we focus on six key questions provided by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The objective of this report is to provide background information to the Medicare Coverage Advisory Committee (MCAC) in their review of these questions during their May 2006 meeting. The six key questions examine the degree to which current evidence supports confident judgments about the use of NITs in the assessment of coronary anatomy in clinical practice. The two NITs that are examined in detail in this report are computed tomographic angiography (CTA) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) for evaluating native coronary arteries. In addition, we consider technologies on the horizon, as well as the general issue of establishing the value of NITs in specific clinical contexts in which coronary disease is being considered.