Coronary CTA: indications, patient selection, and clinical implications

Recent technical advancements of modern multislice computed tomography scanners including improved temporal and spatial resolution allow for the evaluation of cardiac patients. These modern techniques have been applied to bypass imaging, assessment of pulmonary veins following ablative therapy, congenital and acquired anatomic abnormalities, and also the evaluation of coronary artery disease. Cardiac computed tomography angiography is a valuable tool for patients with equivocal stress test results or inconclusive echocardiography in patients with intermediate likelihood of coronary artery disease. Future applications of this study include coronary plaque imaging, triage of patients with chest pain in the emergency room, and evaluation of myocardial viability.