The Role of Imaging with Cardiac Computed Tomography in Cardio-Oncology Patients

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases and cancer represent the two most common causes of morbidity and mortality in industrialized countries. With the increase in long-term survival of cancer patients, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality for many cancer survivors. In this article, we will review the most common cardiovascular toxicities of cancer therapies and will describe the role of cardiac CT in the detection and monitoring of cardiovascular disease. While there is limited evidence for the use of CT imaging in cancer patients, we will discuss the utility of cardiac CT in the detection and management of coronary artery disease, pericardial and valvular heart disease.

Keywords: Cancer treatment; Cardiac CT; Cardiotoxicity; Cardiovascular disease; Coronary artery calcium score; Coronary computed tomography angiography.