冠状动脉左前降支心肌桥的320排CT形态学研究

目的本研究利用320排CT冠状动脉血管成像(CTCA)探讨心肌桥特征,重点研究左前降支心肌桥(MB)的形态学表现。方法本文回顾性分析了1693例患者的320排CTCA。21例患者由于图像质量差被排除在外。MB的长度和深度被记录,根据其与心肌束的部分包绕、完全包绕以及壁冠状动脉的深度分为不完全、浅表和深包埋型。结果这项研究包含的1672例患者中,505例患者被发现有516个MB(30.2%),488个MB位于LAD段(94.6%)。全部LAD段488个中不完全型202个(41.4%),浅表型165个(33.8%),深包埋型121个(24.8%)。不完全型、浅表型和深包埋型壁冠状动脉的平均长度分别为(6.6±5.3)mm、(13.9±4.5)mm和(25.4±4.1)mm。浅表型和深包埋型壁冠状动脉的平均深度分别为(0.4±0.4)mm和(2.5±1.3)mm。壁冠状动脉的直径大小平均(1.6±1.2)mm,壁冠状动脉近端冠状动脉直径平均(3.1±0.9)mm。MB近端2 cm内动脉粥样硬化斑块的发生率为105例(21.5%)。结论本文用320排CTCA描述了MB的发病率和形态学特征,重点研究了LAD心肌桥的形态...     

Coronary computed tomography angiography for the evaluation of patients with acute chest pain

Acute chest pain is a common presenting complaint of patients attending emergency room departments. Despite this, it can often be challenging to completely exclude a diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome following an initial standard clinical and biochemical evaluation. As a result of this, patients are often admitted to hospital until the treating clinician is satisfied that this diagnosis can be excluded. This process imparts a significant health economic burden by not only increasing hospital bed occupancy rates but also by the unnecessary layering of diagnostic investigations. With the rapid advances in coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA), there has been considerable interest in whether coronary CTA may be a viable alternative to this current standard care. We review the current literature and supporting evidence for utilising coronary CTA in the evaluation of patients presenting with acute chest pain in terms of its diagnostic accuracy, safety, cost-effectiveness and prognostic implications.     

Image quality in obese patients undergoing 256-row computed tomography coronary angiography

To evaluate, objectively and subjectively, the feasibility of 256-row computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) in obese patients. 256-row CTCA was performed in 68 symptomatic patients (age 61 ± 10 years, 37 females), 39 obese (body mass index—BMI > 30 kg/m²) and 29 non-obese. Retrospective analysis was performed by two observers who assessed the image quality of each coronary segment using a 4-point subjective scale (1 excellent to 4 non-diagnostic), and another blinded observer measured objective image parameters. BMI in the obese group was 35 ± 5 (32–65) Kg/m², and 24 ± 3 (16–29) Kg/m² in the non-obese (P = 0.004). Average subjective image quality was similar in obese (1.41 ± 0.40) and non-obese (1.34 ± 0.40) patients, P = 0.17. Proportion of coronary artery segments with non-diagnostic image quality was low in both groups (0.7% in obese and 0.2% in non-obese, P = 0.31). Signal to noise and contrast to noise ratios were not significantly lower in obese than in non-obese patients (9.4 ± 3 vs. 12 ± 2.5, P = 0.16 and 11.1 ± 3.8 vs. 13.7 ± 2.9, P = 0.07 respectively). However, dose length product (1167 ± 567 vs. 827 ± 375 mGy × cm, P = 0.014) and image noise (44 ± 13 vs. 35 ± 5 HU, P < 0.001) were higher in the obese patient group. Image quality was preserved in obese patients undergoing 256-row CTCA at the cost of increased radiation exposure and image noise.     

Diagnostic accuracy of 320-row computed tomography as compared with invasive coronary angiography in unselected, consecutive patients with suspected coronary artery disease

Noninvasive coronary angiography with multislice computed tomography (CT) scanners is feasible with high sensitivity and negative predictive value. The radiation exposure associated with this technique, however, is high and concerns in the widespread use of CT have arisen. We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of coronary angiography using 320-row CT, which avoids exposure-intensive overscanning and overranging. We prospectively studied 118 unselected consecutive patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) referred for invasive coronary angiography (ICA). All patients had 320-row CT within 1 week of ICA, which, together with quantitative analysis, served as the reference standard. Of the 65 out of 118 patients who were diagnosed as having CAD by ICA, 64 (98 %) were correctly identified at 320-row CT. Noteworthy, 320-row CT correctly detected CAD in 3 patients with atrial fibrillation and ruled out the disease in the other 8 patients. From 151 significant coronary stenoses detected on ICA, 137 (91 %) were correctly identified with 320-row CT. In the per-patient analysis, sensitivity and specificity of 320-row CT were 98 and 91 %, respectively. In the per-vessel analysis, sensitivity and specificity of 320-row CT were 93 and 95 %, respectively. In the per segment analysis, sensitivity and specificity of 320-row CT were 91 and 99 %, respectively. Diameter stenosis determined with the use of CT showed good correlation with ICA (P < 0.001, R = 0.81) without significant underestimation or overestimation (?3.1 ± 24.4 %; P = 0.08). Comparison of CT with ICA revealed a significantly smaller effective radiation dose (3.1 ± 2.3 vs. 6.5 ± 4.2 mSv; P < 0.05) and amount of contrast agent required (99 ± 51 vs. 65 ± 42 ml, P < 0.05) for 320 row CT. The present study in an unselected population including patients with atrial fibrillation demonstrates that 320-row CT may significantly reduce the radiation dose and amount of contrast agent required compared with ICA while maintaining a very high diagnostic accuracy.     

Multislice computed tomography coronary angiography in patients admitted with a suspected acute coronary syndrome

Objectives The aim of this prospective clinical study was to assess the accuracy and clinical relevance of multislice computed tomography coronary angiography (MSCTCA) in patients presenting with acute chest pain. Background Multislice computed tomography coronary angiography has shown ability to detect accurately coronary artery disease (CAD) in selected elective patient groups. Methods One hundred and twenty patients presenting with acute chest pain (<24 h) underwent MSCTCA (Siemens Sensation 16) before a scheduled inpatient conventional coronary angiogram (CCA). Exclusion criteria included patients with STEMI, non-sinus rhythm, contraindication to β blockers and renal impairment. Blinded visual assessment of MSCTCA to detect CAD was performed on an 11-segment model. The accuracy of MSCTCA was compared to CCA to detect significant stenoses (≥50%). Results One hundred and thirteen patients underwent both investigations. The prevalence of significant CAD was 74%. 1,243 native segments were assessed by MSCTCA. The overall ability of MSCTCA to detect the presence of ≥1 significant stenosis in all native segments had a sensitivity of 92% (95%CI 83–97%), specificity of 55% (95%CI 35–74%), positive predictive value of 86% (95%CI 76–93%) and negative predictive value of 70% (95%CI 47–87%). 22% of all segments (mostly distal) were non-analyzable. Coronary calcification was a major cause of false positivity. Conclusion In a prospective study of unselected patients presenting with acute chest pain, the diagnostic accuracy of 16-slice CT coronary angiography was moderate and less than reported from studies in elective patients. The clinical relevance of this technology to screen patients with acute chest pain is limited.

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Condensed Abstract Multislice CT coronary angiography (MSCTCA) and conventional coronary angiography (CCA) were used to assess 120 patients presenting with acute chest pain. MSCTCA was compared to CCA to detect significant stenoses (≥50%). In 113 directly comparable patients MSCTCA had a sensitivity of 92% (95%CI 83–97%) and specificity of 55% (95%CI 35–74%) to detect the presence of ≥1 significant stenosis in all native segments. In this patient cohort with a high prevalence of coronary disease and coronary calcification, the accuracy and clinical relevance of 16 slice MSCTCA to screen and risk stratify patients with acute chest pain is limited.

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Association of B-type natriuretic peptide with coronary plaque subtypes detected by coronary computed tomography angiography in patients with stable chest pain

Increased B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) level has been suggested to improve clinical predictions of coronary events and all-cause mortality. We aimed to analyze the relationship between BNP levels and coronary plaque subtypes as detected by coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). 402 subjects undergoing CCTA were enrolled. The relationship between increased levels of BNP and plaque subtypes was tested using multivariable linear and logistic regression analysis. Plaques were categorized into subtypes of calcified, mixed and non-calcified. Coronary plaque was observed in 93 of 402 individuals. The participants were divided into three groups according to their serum BNP levels. Compared to those with low BNP level, subgroup with high BNP level had increased prevalence of all plaque types and mixed calcified arterial plaque (MCAP). Multivariable logistic regression analysis suggested increased BNP level predicted the MCAP. Multivariable logistic regression analysis between the presence of ≥2 plaques and BNP indicated that, subgroup with high BNP level was more likely to have MCAP than low BNP level. Our study suggests that increased BNP level is associated with MCAP detected by CCTA. Increased BNP level provides additional information about coronary artery disease in patients with stable chest pain detected by CCTA.     

320排CT冠状动脉造影检查前的护理

目的探讨320排CT冠状动脉造影检查前的护理经验。方法对116例采用320排CT行冠状动脉造影检查的患者相关资料进行分析,总结检查前的护理。结果检查前经耐心、细致的护理指导,所有病例均顺利完成检查,获得满意的检查效果,图像质量达到影像学评价标准,而且未发生并发症。结论正确、有效的护理指导是多排CT冠状动脉造影检查成功的重要保证之一。     

Utilization of coronary computed tomography angiography for exclusion of coronary artery disease in ED patients with low- to intermediate-risk chest pain: a 1-year experience

Objective

We describe our preliminary experience with coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) in emergency department (ED) patients with low- to intermediate-risk chest pain.

Methods

A convenience cohort of patients with low- to intermediate-risk acute chest pain presenting to a suburban ED in 2009 were prospectively enrolled if the attending physician ordered a CCTA for possible coronary artery disease. Demographic and clinician data were entered into structured data collection sheets required before any imaging. The results of CCTA were classified as normal, nonobstructive (1%-50% stenosis), and obstructive (>50% stenosis). Outcomes included hospital admission and death within a 6-month follow-up period.

Results

In 2009, 507 patients with ED chest pain had a CCTA while in the ED. The median (interquartile range) age was 54 (47-62) years; 51.5% were female. Thrombolysis in myocardial infarction risk scores were 0 (42.6%), 1 (42.2%), 2 (11.8%), 3 (2.4%), and 4 (1.0%). The results of CCTA were normal (n = 363), nonobstructive (n = 123), and obstructive (n = 21). Admission rates by CCTA results were obstructive (90.5%), nonobstructive (4.9%), and normal (3.0%). None of the patients with normal or nonobstructive CCTA died within the 6-month follow-up period (0%; 95% confidence interval, 0-0.9%).

Conclusions

Many ED patients with low- to intermediate-risk chest pain have a normal or nonobstructive CCTA and may be safely discharged from the ED without any associated mortality within the following 6 months.     

Immediate computed tomography coronary angiography versus delayed outpatient stress testing for detecting coronary artery disease in emergency department patients with chest pain

Noninvasive testing for coronary artery disease (CAD) is warranted for symptomatic patients with intermediate pretest likelihood of CAD. Accomplishing testing in an emergency department (ED) environment is challenging. We compared two strategies of CAD testing in ED patients: immediate computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) versus delayed outpatient stress testing. We conducted a historical control cohort study comparing symptomatic ED patients without an acute coronary syndrome who warranted noninvasive CAD testing. Two cohorts (50 patients each) were defined by CAD testing strategy, immediate CTCA versus delayed stress testing. Outcomes were duration of ED stay, detection of CAD, and 3-month rates of readmission, myocardial infarction, (MI) or death. Median duration of stay was 417.5 minutes (interquartile range [IQR] 359.0–581.0) in the CT cohort and 400.0 minutes (IQR 338.0–471.0) in the control cohort (P = 0.53). CAD was detected in 14 CT cohort patients versus 1 in control (P = 0.0004), due to low follow-up in the control cohort (18 of 50, 36%). Obstructive CAD was diagnosed in 6 CT cohort patients versus 1 in control (P = 0.11). During 3 months of follow-up, four patients in each cohort were reevaluated in the ED for chest pain; no patients suffered MI or death. A strategy of immediate CTCA is superior to a delayed stress testing strategy for detecting CAD in ED patients with chest pain and prompting appropriate referrals for further management. Delayed stress testing was primarily ineffective due to low follow-up. Immediate CTCA can be used safely without altering the ED duration of stay.     

Coronary in-stent restenosis: predisposing clinical and stent-related factors,diagnostic performance and analyses of inaccuracies in 320-row computed tomography angiography

The aim of this study was to identify predisposing factors for coronary in-stent restenosis (ISR) and assess its detection by 320-row computed tomography angiography (CTA) using invasive coronary angiography (ICA) as a gold standard. A total of 189 patients (aged 35–79, mean age 56.6, 169 males) with 318 stents underwent ICA within 4 days after CTA. ISR was found in 19 (10.0?%) patients and 25 (7.9?%) stents. At the patient level, the presence of ISR was significantly related to the number of deployed stents (P?=?0.026) and body mass index (P?=?0.030). At the stent level, stents with diameter <3 mm were more likely to have ISR than those with diameter ≥3 mm (53.8?% vs. 28.9?%, P?=?0.016). Bare metal stents were significantly more likely to have ISR than drug-eluting stents (15.2?% vs. 6?%, P?=?0.022). ISR was not significantly related to stent length (P?=?0.097) and stent placement in coronary arteries at the vessel level (P?=?0.059). False-positive or false-negative results of CTA were not related to stent location, diameter, length, and strut thickness (P?>?0.05). At the patient level, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of CTA for detecting ISR were 90, 96, 74, 99, and 96?%, respectively. At the stent level, the corresponding figures were 92, 96, 67, 99, and 96?%. The high negative predictive value of 99?% suggests that 320-row CTA is helpful for excluding ISR.     

冠状动脉造影阴性青年胸痛患者的病因分析

目的 探讨分析冠状动脉造影结果阴性的胸痛青年患者(＜ 45岁)的病因,为降低青年人心源性猝死的发病率提供理论依据.方法 选择2014年1月至2014年12月以胸痛来诊,拟诊为急性冠脉综合征(acute coronary syndrome,ACS)而收入解放军总医院的青年患者134例,进行冠状动脉造影,对比分析冠状动脉造影阴性(n=64)、冠状动脉脉造影阳性(n=70)及健康人(n=77)的性别、职业、生化指标[(糖化血红蛋白(HBAlc)、甘油三酯(TG)、,超敏反应蛋白(CRP)、肌钙蛋白T(cTnT)、高密度脂蛋白(HDL)、脑钠利尿肽(BNP)]、心脏功能(室间隔厚度、左室后壁厚度、左室舒张末容积、左室收缩末容积、每搏输出量、射血分数、缩短分数、E值、A值、E/A值),探讨冠状动脉造影阴性患者的病因.统计分析采用Stata 7.0统计软件,计量资料以均数±标准差((x)±s)表示,计数资料以例数和百分比表示,两组间比较采用成组t检验,组间两两比较采用方差分析.结果 冠脉造影阴性患者病因:冠状动脉粥样硬化90.6％、心脏神经官能症4.7％、心肌病1.6％、心脏X综合征1.6％,其他1.5％.冠脉造影阴性患者中公务员管理人员及商业服务人员比例58.9％,男性占81.1％;健康组比较,体质量指数BMI(P=0.000),糖化血红蛋白(HBA1c) (P =0.001),甘油三酯(TG) (P=0.000),超敏C反应蛋白(CRP)(P =0.003),肌钙蛋白T(cTnT) (P=0.009)水平显著性增高,高密度脂蛋白(HDL)(P=0.000)显著性降低,脑钠利尿肽(BNP) (P=0.128)两组间差异无统计学意义;与冠脉造影阳性患者超声心动图比较:左室收缩末容积(P =0.006)显著性降低,左室射血分数(LVEF) (P=0.000)、缩短分数(FS) (P=0.000)显著性升高.结论 冠状动脉粥样硬化是拟诊ACS收入院冠状动脉造影阴性青年胸痛患者的主要病因,男性、高紧张职业、肥胖、高血糖、血脂异常是其高危因素,早期对危险因素进行防控,有利于降低心源性猝死的发病率.     

慢性肾疾病患者冠状动脉斑块特征的320排冠状动脉CT造影评价

目的：本研究的目的是评估慢性肾疾病（CKD）患者320排冠状动脉CT造影（CCTA）动脉硬化斑块的特征。方法比较了由于胸痛和冠心病的筛查而接受320排CCTA检查的73例CKD患者[平均年龄（57.0±9.9）岁,64.8%的男性]和73例肾功能正常（NRF）者[平均年龄（55.0±12.3）岁,62.2%的男性]的冠状动脉粥样硬化斑块[存在斑块、斑块负荷、钙化斑块（CP）、单支病变、多支病变、非钙化斑块（NCP）、混合斑块（MP）和梗阻性狭窄]。结果单因素分析显示与NRF者比较,CKD患者单支病变发生率低（24.7%vs.45.2%,P＝0.041）,而多支病变发病率明显增高（61.6%vs.6.9%,P＜0.001）,存在斑块发病率高（86.3%vs.52%,P＝0.025）;CKD患者的斑块负荷明显增高（2.81±3.61 vs.0.76±0.87, P＜0.001）;其CP和MP发病率高（分别为53.4%vs.15.1%,P＜0.001,39.7%vs.13.7%,P＝0.036）,而NCP发病率相似（24.7%vs.26.0%,P＝0.868）;另外,CKD患者有着高的冠状动脉梗阻性狭窄（50.7%vs.15.1%,P＝0.014）多因素Cox比例风险回归模型分析显示CKD患者有着明显高的斑块负荷[5.77（95%CI 2.95～14.38）,P＜0.001]和明显高的多支病变和CP发病率[危害比分别为7.47（95%CI 3.11～16.17）, P＜0.001和5.82（95%CI 2.98～15.61）,P＜0.001]。结论 CKD患者的斑块数负荷、多支病变和CP百分率明显高于NRF者,预示着有更高的发生冠状动脉不良事件的风险。     

320排CT血管成像对冠状动脉瘘的诊断价值

目的探讨320排CT血管成像对冠状动脉瘘的诊断价值。方法回顾性分析34例冠状动脉瘘患者的320排CT血管成像资料及临床资料,其中11例患者同时进行冠状动脉造影检查。结果 26 590例患者中共34例诊断为冠状动脉瘘,发病率为0.13%。34例冠状动脉瘘中冠状动脉-肺动脉瘘26例(76.5%),冠状动脉-左心室瘘3例(8.8%),冠状动脉-右心房瘘3例(8.8%),冠状动脉-左心房瘘1例(2.9%),冠状动脉-右心室瘘1例(2.9%)。起源于左冠状动脉8例(23.5%),起源于右冠状动脉10例(29.4%),同时起源于两侧冠状动脉者16例(47.1%)。16例(47.1%)伴随瘤样扩张。瘘口直径范围2.0~13.0 mm,中位直径2.5 mm。瘘口两端见浓染征15例(44.1%),射血征10例(29.4%),等密度征9例(26.5%)。11例均经冠状动脉造影证实为冠状动脉瘘。结论冠状动脉瘘发病率低,其中冠状动脉-肺动脉瘘是最常见的类型(占76.5%),同时起源于两侧冠状动脉占47.1%。320排CT血管成像能无创、准确地显示冠状动脉瘘的起源、瘘血管走行、瘘口直径及引流部位,可作为诊断冠状动脉瘘的首选检查方法。     

Practicality, safety and accuracy of computed tomography coronary angiography in the evaluation of low TIMI-risk score chest pain patients: a pilot study

Objectives: The present pilot study aimed to assess the practicality, safety and accuracy of performing CT coronary angiography (CT‐CA) in the evaluation of acute chest pain of patients with low thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) risk scores. Methods: The present prospective observational study was undertaken in a university teaching hospital between November 2004 and December 2005. Participants were a convenience sample of patients admitted to hospital for investigation of chest pain with TIMI risk scores <3. Consenting patients underwent CT‐CA within 48 h of presentation. Outcomes of interest were practicality (proportion of diagnostic quality scans obtained and preparation time for CT‐CA), rate of serious adverse events, and accuracy at the patient level using selective coronary angiography as the reference standard. Results: Thirty‐four patients were recruited. Diagnostic quality scans were obtained in 26/34 or 76% of patients (four failed CT‐CA and four non‐diagnostic scans). The median CT preparation time was 1.9 h (range 0.17–4.0). No serious adverse events were found. Fourteen of those 26 patients with diagnostic CT‐CA subsequently had selective coronary angiography, of which nine were positive. The sensitivity and specificity of CT‐CA in identifying patients with significant coronary artery disease were 9/9 (100%; 95% confidence interval 72–100%) and 4/5 (80%; 95% confidence interval 28–100%), respectively. Conclusions: The majority of acute chest pain patients with low TIMI risk scores were successfully scanned with a 16‐slice CT to produce CT‐CA studies with good diagnostic quality and accuracy. No major adverse events were found. The place of CT‐CA in diagnostic workup for chest pain remains to be defined.     

Diagnostic yield of coronary angiography in patients with acute chest pain: role of noninvasive test

Objectives

This study investigated the diagnostic yield of invasive coronary angiography (CAG) and the impact of noninvasive test (NIV) in patients presented to emergency department (ED) with acute chest pain.

Methods

Patients 50 years or older who visited ED with acute chest pain and underwent CAG were identified retrospectively. Those with ischemic electrocardiogram, elevated cardiac enzyme, known coronary artery disease (CAD), history of cardiac surgery, renal failure, or allergy to radiocontrast were excluded. Diagnostic yields of CAG to detect significant CAD or differentiate the need for revascularization were analyzed according to whether NIV was performed and its result.

Results

Among the total 375 consecutive patients, significant CAD was observed in 244 (65.1%). Diagnostic yields of CAG were higher in patients who underwent NIV before CAG, but the discriminative effect was modest (59.7% vs 70.7% [P = .026] for detection of CAD; 45.0% vs 50.5% [P = .285] for revascularization). Positive results of NIV were significantly associated with the presence of CAD and the need for revascularization, when compared with patients without NIV or patients with negative results (P < .001, respectively).

Conclusion

The diagnostic yield of CAG was only 65% in low- to intermediate-risk ED patients with acute chest pain. Performing of NIV provided only modest improvement in diagnostic yield of CAG. The unexpectedly low diagnostic yield might be attributable to the underuse of NIV and misinterpretation of physicians. We suggest the use of NIV as a gatekeeper to discriminate patients who require CAG and/or revascularization, and for this, better risk stratification and appropriate application of NIV are required.     

The clinical significance and management of patients with incomplete coronary angiography and the value of additional computed tomography coronary angiography

To assess the anatomical background and significance of incomplete invasive coronary angiography (ICA) and to evaluate the value of coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) in this scenario. The current study is an analysis of high volume center experience with prospective registry of coronary CTA and ICA. The target population was identified through a review of the electronic database. We included consecutive patients referred for coronary CTA after ICA, which did not visualize at least one native coronary artery or by-pass graft. Between January 2009 and April 2013, 13,603 diagnostic ICA were performed. There were 45 (0.3 %) patients referred for coronary CTA after incomplete ICA. Patients were divided into 3 groups: angina symptoms without previous coronary artery by-pass grafting (CABG) (n = 11,212), angina symptoms with previous CABG (n = 986), and patients prior to valvular surgery (n = 925). ICA did not identify by-pass grafts in 21 (2.2 %) patients and in 24 (0.2 %) cases of native arteries. The explanations for an incomplete ICA included: 11 ostium anomalies, 2 left main spasms, 5 access site problems, 5 ascending aorta aneurysms, and 2 tortuous take-off of a subclavian artery. However, in 20 (44 %) patients no specific reason for the incomplete ICA was identified. After coronary CTA revascularization was performed in 11 (24 %) patients: 6 successful repeat ICA and percutaneous intervention and 5 CABG. Incomplete ICA constitutes rare, but a significant clinical problem. Coronary CTA provides adequate clinical information in these patients.     

Cardiac risk factors and risk scores vs cardiac computed tomography angiography: a prospective cohort study for triage of ED patients with acute chest pain

ObjectiveThe objective of the study is to evaluate cardiac risk factors and risk scores for prediction of coronary artery disease (CAD) and adverse outcomes in an emergency department (ED) population judged to be at low to intermediate risk for acute coronary syndrome.MethodsInformed consent was obtained from consecutive ED patients who presented with chest pain and were evaluated with coronary computed tomography angiography (cCTA). Cardiac risk factors, clinical presentation, electrocardiogram, and laboratory studies were recorded; the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) and Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) scores were tabulated. Coronary computed tomography angiography findings were rated on a 6-level plaque burden scale and classified for significant CAD (stenosis ≥ 50%). Adverse cardiovascular outcomes were recorded at 30 days.ResultsAmong 250 patients evaluated by cCTA, 143 (57%) had no CAD, 64 (26%) demonstrated minimal plaque (< 30% stenosis), 26 (10%) demonstrated mild plaque (< 50% stenosis), 9 (4%) demonstrated moderate single vessel disease (50%-70% stenosis), 2 (1%) demonstrated moderate multivessel disease, and 6 (2%) demonstrated severe disease (> 70% stenosis). Six patients developed adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Among traditional cardiac risk factors, only age (older) and sex (male) were significant independent predictors of CAD. Correlation with CAD was poor for the TIMI (r = 0.12) and GRACE (r = 0.09-0.23) scores. The TIMI and GRACE scores were not useful to predict adverse outcomes. Coronary computed tomography angiography identified severe CAD in all subjects with adverse outcomes.ConclusionAmong ED patients who present with chest pain judged to be at low to intermediate risk for acute coronary syndrome, traditional risk factors are not useful to stratify risk for CAD and adverse outcomes. Coronary computed tomography angiography is an excellent predictor of CAD and outcome.     

Computer-aided analysis of 64- and 320-slice coronary computed tomography angiography: a comparison with expert human interpretation

Routine use of CCTA to triage Emergency Department (ED) chest pain can reduce ED length of stay while providing accurate diagnoses. We evaluated the effectiveness of using Computer Aided Diagnosis in the triage of low to intermediate risk emergency chest pain patients with Coronary Computed Tomographic Angiography (CCTA). Using 64 and 320 slice CT scanners, we compared the diagnostic capability of computer aided diagnosis to human readers in 923 ED patients with chest pain. We calculated sensitivity, specificity, Positive Predictive Value and Negative Predictive Value for cases performed on each scanner. We calculated the area under the Receiver Operator Curve (ROC) comparing results for the two scanners to Computer Aided Diagnosis performance as compared to the human reader. We examined index and 30 Day outcomes by diagnosis for each scanner and the human reader. 60% of cases could be triaged by the computer. Sensitivity was approximately 85% for both scanners, with specificity at 50.6% for the 64 slice and at 56.5% for the 320 slice scanner (per person measures). The NPV was 97.8 and 97.1 for the 64 and 320 slice scanners, respectively. Results for the four major vessels were similar with negative predictive values ranging from 97 to 100%. The ROC for Computer Aided Diagnosis for the 64 and 320 Slice Scanners, using the human reader as the gold standard was 0.6794 and 0.7097 respectively. The index and 30 day outcomes were consistent for the human reader and Computer Aided Diagnosis interpretation. Although Computer Aided Diagnosis with CCTA cannot serve completely as a substitute for human reading, it offers excellent potential as a triage tool in busy EDs.