title: Noninvasive coronary imaging: CT versus MR.
abstract: Conventional coronary angiography is the undisputed gold standard in coronary lumenography. The small but serious risk involved in the procedure, the cost, and the necessary radiation dose have triggered the development of noninvasive alternatives such as electron-beam computed tomography, multi-slice computed tomography, and magnetic resonance coronary angiography. This paper will discuss the background, benefits and drawbacks of these imaging modalities with respect to the coronary arteries. Evolution in techniques and increase in sensitivity and specificity are clearly seen in all imaging modalities, thus increasing the clinical relevance and the ability to replace conventional coronary angiography.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Groningen University Hospital, The Netherlands. p.m.a.van.ooyen@rad.azg.nl
authors.forename: Peter M A
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: van Ooijen
authors.forename: Joost
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Dorgelo
authors.forename: Matthijs
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Oudkerk
mesh_terms: D017023:Coronary Angiography; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000175:diagnosis*; D023921:Coronary Stenosis / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D036542:Tomography, Spiral Computed; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed