Computed tomographic angiography or conventional coronary angiography in therapeutic decision-making

Computed tomographic angiography or conventional coronary angiography in therapeutic decision-making.

AIMS To evaluate non-invasive angiography using dual-source computed tomography (CT) for the determination of the most appropriate therapeutic strategy in patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS AND RESULTS CT angiography (Dual Source CT, Somatom Definition, Siemens Medical Systems, Forchheim, Germany) was performed in 60 consecutive patients [51 men, median age 64 (57-...

Can coronary computed tomography angiography replace invasive angiography? Coronary computed tomography angiography cannot replace invasive angiography.

O ne million patients undergo invasive coronary angiogra-phy (CA) in the United States every year. 1 In view of its invasive nature and related costs, noninvasive imaging of coronary imaging has the theoretical appeal to improve comfort for patients, reduce cost, and refine patient selection to limit invasive procedures to patients requiring treatment for ischemic coronary artery disease (CAD)....

Diagnostic accuracy and impact of computed tomographic coronary angiography on utilization of invasive coronary angiography.

BACKGROUND Computed tomographic coronary angiography (CTA), given its high negative predictive value, is a potential gatekeeper for invasive coronary angiography (ICA). Before CTA can be further accepted into clinical practice, its impact on healthcare resources needs to be better understood. We sought to determine the clinical impact of CTA on ICA referrals, CTA accuracy, and normalcy rate. ...

Coronary computed tomographic angiography: its role in emergency department triage.

High-resolution spiral computed tomography coronary angiography in patients referred for diagnostic conventional coronary angiography.

BACKGROUND The diagnostic performance of the latest 64-slice CT scanner, with increased temporal (165 ms) and spatial (0.4 mm3) resolution, to detect significant stenoses in the clinically relevant coronary tree is unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS We studied 52 patients (34 men; mean age, 59.6+/-12.1 years) with atypical chest pain, stable or unstable angina pectoris, or non-ST-segment elevation ...