Additional cardiac investigation prior to the introduction of the CAD-RADS classification in coronary computed tomography angiography reports

Introduction

The CAD-RADS^TM classification was recently introduced in an attempt to standardize coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) reports and to provide recommendations for further management. The aim of this study was to assess how additional cardiac investigations were being ordered before the introduction of the CAD-RADS classification in a tertiary hospital's CCTA reports.

Methods

We conducted a single-center retrospective analysis of 200 patients (103 women, mean age 59±13 years) who underwent CCTA for suspected or known coronary artery disease prior to the systematic introduction of the CAD-RADS classification in the reports. For each case, we assessed whether further cardiac investigation was requested after CCTA and what type of test was performed (functional testing, invasive coronary angiography or viability testing).

Results

The majority of patients (n=158; 79%) were classified as CAD-RADS 0-2. In patients with lower (0-2) or higher (4 or 5) scores, further testing was in accordance with CAD-RADS recommendations in 98% of cases (n=168). In patients with CAD-RADS 3 (intermediate stenosis), functional testing was requested as recommended in only 36% of cases (n=5), while 50% (n=7) proceeded directly to invasive coronary angiography. In patients in whom CCTA was non-diagnostic, most did not undergo further cardiac investigation.

Conclusion

In patients with CAD-RADS classifications at the ends of the spectrum, additional cardiac investigation after CCTA was almost always in accordance with the recommendations. However, in patients with intermediate scores, invasive coronary angiography prevailed over functional testing.