The case in favor of screening for coronary artery disease with coronary CT angiography.
Coronary computed tomographic angiography is leading a technologic revolution in the field of cardiac imaging. For the first time, it is possible to image the wall of the coronary artery noninvasively to assess plaque burden, characterize plaque, and assess the degree of stenosis. This paper explores the possibility of using coronary computed tomographic angiography as a screening tool. Key screening examination elements, the pros and cons of screening, the limitations of current technology, and potential pitfalls are discussed.
Dowe
David A
DA
Atlantic Medical Imaging, Galloway, NJ 08205, USA. ddowe60@hotmail.com
D017023:Coronary Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000401:mortality*; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods*; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D011379:Prognosis; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D015996:Survival Rate; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*