Plaque assessment by coronary CT.
Coronary CT angiography (CTA) has emerged as a highly reliable and non-invasive modality for the exclusion of coronary artery disease. Recent technological advancements in coronary CTA imaging allow for robust qualitative and quantitative assessment of atherosclerotic plaques. Furthermore, CTA is a promising modality for functional evaluation of coronary lesions. Individual plaque features, the extent and severity of atherosclerotic plaque burden were proposed to improve cardiovascular risk stratification. It has been suggested that total atherosclerotic plaque burden is a stronger predictor of coronary events than total ischemia burden. The quest to noninvasively detect individual vulnerable plaques still remains. In the current review we sought to summarize state-of-the-art coronary artery plaque assessment by CTA.
MTA-SE Cardiovascular Imaging Research Group, Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, 68 Varosmajor st, Budapest, 1122, Hungary.
Bálint
B
Szilveszter
MTA-SE Cardiovascular Imaging Research Group, Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, 68 Varosmajor st, Budapest, 1122, Hungary.
Csilla
C
Celeng
MTA-SE Cardiovascular Imaging Research Group, Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, 68 Varosmajor st, Budapest, 1122, Hungary. p.maurovich-horvat@cirg.hu.
Pál
P
Maurovich-Horvat
D001331:Automation; D017023:Coronary Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000453:epidemiology; D003331:Coronary Vessels / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D058226:Plaque, Atherosclerotic; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D012422:Rupture, Spontaneous; D012984:Software; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
Atherosclerosis; Coronary CT angiography; Coronary artery disease; Plaque assessment; Vulnerable plaque