title: The Big Picture: Evidence Base and Current Trials in Cardiac CT.
abstract: Cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) has technically matured into a robust imaging modality for various cardiac disorders. Whereas early trials focused on assessment of the efficacy of CCTA in comparison with established recommended methods, current research efforts focus on the effectiveness of the technique in specific clinical scenarios. In this article, we provide an overview of recent technology advances, describe major clinical scenarios in which CCTA has been evaluated, and detail pertinent evidence from completed or ongoing clinical trials, including its use to investigate acute chest pain, its use among patients with stable chest pain syndrome, and its prognostic value for the occurrence of cardiovascular events.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Radiology, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377 Munich, Germany.
authors.forename: Holger
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hetterich
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Radiology, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377 Munich, Germany.
authors.forename: Konstantin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Nikolaou
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Radiology, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377 Munich, Germany.
authors.forename: Maximilian F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Reiser
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Radiology, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377 Munich, Germany ; DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany.
authors.forename: Fabian
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bamberg
keywords: Acute coronary syndrome; Cardiac CT; Clinical trials; Prognosis; Stable coronary artery disease