Coronary computed tomography angiography in patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI): focus on post-processing and visualization techniques.
Coronary stent imaging with computed tomography is challenging because of high-density artifacts. However, noninvasive coronary angiography with computed tomography is gaining acceptance as a valid alternative to cardiac catheterization in a broader array of clinical settings, and the work-up of patients after coronary stent implantation represents an application of pressing clinical utility. Only a minority of patients who develop recurrent chest pain after stent implantation have myocardial ischemia, thus a sensitive noninvasive study is desirable. With an awareness of the limitations of the technique, the systematic application of dedicated strategies of data post-processing and display techniques permits partial compensation of the technical limitations brought about by metallic struts.


CONCLUSIONS
1. The role of coronary computed tomography angiography in the diagnostic work-up of patients with symptoms after stent placement 2. Systematization of post-processing, display, and review techniques for optimal evaluation of coronary stents with coronary computed tomography angiography.


CONCLUSIONS
The follow-up of patients after coronary stenting is an appealing but challenging application of coronary computed tomography angiography. The presence of intrinsic limitations requires the use of dedicated post-processing and visualization techniques.
Pugliese
Francesca
F
Departments of Radiology and Cardiology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. francesca.pugliese@libero.it <francesca.pugliese@libero.it>
Gruszczyńska
Katarzyna
K
Alberghina
Filippo
F
Baron
Jan
J
Mollet
Nico R
NR
de Feyter
Pim J
PJ
Krestin
Gabriel P
GP
D017023:Coronary Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D023903:Coronary Restenosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003331:Coronary Vessels / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D015607:Stents / Q000009:adverse effects; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*