[Coronary CT-angiography].
BACKGROUND
Recent advances in computed tomography (CT) has made noninvasive imaging of the coronary arteries possible. Multidetector-CT (MDCT)-scanners capable of visualizing the coronary arteries will be available in most Norwegian hospitals within a few years. If the examinations have acceptable quality, diagnostics of coronary pathology could to some extent be decentralized.


METHODS
Our overview is based on non-systematic review of relevant literature, as well as our own experience.


CONCLUSIONS
Good results have been shown for 16 and especially for 64 detector scanners in several comparative studies with invasive coronary angiography. The predictive value of a negative test is impressive in all the published studies. Significant coronary pathology is unlikely with a normal MDCT investigation of good quality, but MDCT's imprecise assessment of stenoses generates too many false positive findings. CT-technology is evolving rapidly. Yet, variable image quality and a high radiation dose are still challenging, even with modern CT-scanners.


CONCLUSIONS
We advocate against uncritical use of the method, however, there is reason for optimism regarding the method's future contribution to coronary diagnostics.
Velle
Helge Ose
HO
Medisinsk avdeling, Volda sjukehus, 6100 Volda. helge.ose.velle@helse-sunnmore.no
Kolnes
Kristian
K
Høgalmen
Geir
G
Gudim
Lars Petter
LP
Wiseth
Rune
R
Rødevand
Olaf
O
D017023:Coronary Angiography / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D018579:Patient Selection; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards
Koronar CT-angiografi.