The role of 16-slice computed tomography angiography in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease: large sample analysis.
BACKGROUND
Computed tomography angiography enables non-invasive evaluation of the coronary arteries.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the accuracy of 16-slice multi-detector CT angiography in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease, and assess coronary bypass grafts and coronary anomalies.


METHODS
We conducted a retrospective study of 223 patients who were examined at our medical center over a period of 2 years with a 16-slice CT angiography scanner and retrospective electrocardiographic gating.


RESULTS
There were no significant complications, and good visualization of the coronary arteries was achieved in all but eight patients. A high correlation with the results of the invasive angiography was noted (sensitivity 85%, specificity 93%, negative predictive value 98%). Altogether, 131 bypass conduits were examined with excellent graft visualization, Several coronary anomalies were detected, as were significant extra-cardiac findings.


CONCLUSIONS
Multi-slice CT angiography is a reliable noninvasive diagnostic procedure for demonstration of the coronary arteries and bypass grafts. In the future it will probably replace part of the diagnostic invasive coronary angiography and, as a result, a large proportion of coronary angiography procedures will be therapeutic.
Gaspar
Tamar
T
Department of Radiology, Carmel Medical Center, Haifa, Israel.
Dvir
Danny
D
Peled
Nathan
N
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017023:Coronary Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D023921:Coronary Stenosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007557:Israel; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D036542:Tomography, Spiral Computed