[Detection and characterization of atherosclerotic coronary plaques with multislice spiral computed tomography].
Provided that adequate image quality is achieved, contrast-enhanced multislice spiral computed tomography enables the identification and characterisation of calcified and non-calcified coronary plaques. This is a major advance in the non-invasive assessment of coronary atherosclerosis that promises to open up new opportunities for a better understanding and risk stratification of this condition, with visualization of non-calcified hypodense lesions in particular appearing to be of prognostic importance. Current limitations of the technique relating mainly to temporal and spatial resolution may be eliminated by the introduction of a new generation of scanners enabling 64 slices and more.
Leber
A W
AW
Medizinische Klinik I, Klinikum Grosshadern, LMU München. aleber@helios.med.uni-muenchen.de
von Ziegler
F
F
Knez
A
A
Becker
A
A
Reiser
M
M
Becker
C R
CR
Steinbeck
G
G
Boekstegers
P
P
D000787:Angina Pectoris / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D012307:Risk Factors; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D036542:Tomography, Spiral Computed; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional