Transitions: noninvasive coronary angiography using electron beam computed tomography: technique, clinical application, future prospective.
Electron beam computed tomography has been available clinically for 20 years. It is the only computed tomography scanner specifically developed for cardiac imaging. Over the past decade, with improvements in methodology and computer software, electron beam computed tomography has been shown to provide an excellent method to perform noninvasive coronary angiography. This article looks at the historical aspects of electron beam computed tomography and comments on how to perform and interpret electron beam angiography studies. The expanding development of noninvasive coronary and peripheral angiography methods using computed tomography will have a significant influence on cardiovascular specialists and their practices.
Rumberger
John A
JA
The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA. rumbj@attglobal.net
D017023:Coronary Angiography / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D006801:Humans; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*