Radiology Regional specializes in Non-Invasive Coronary CT Angiography (CCTA) using the 64-Slice Somatom Sensation.
64-Slice CT Somatom Sensation Allows:
Historically, conventional coronary angiography has been the gold standard to quantify coronary artery stenosis. Recent studies have shown that 64 Slice CT Coronary angiography compares quite favorably with conventional angiography for the detection of luminal stenosis: >50% with a sensitivity of 86%, specificity of 95% and negative predictive value of 98%. In addition to quantifying luminal stenosis, coronary CTA can evaluate the degree of overall plaque burden by visualizing both calcified and noncalcified (lipid or fibrotic) plaque. Recent data also shows that coronary CTA adds prognostic data concerning cardiac events above and beyond conventional risk factors.
Coronary Stenosis
1. Evaluation of chest pain in patients with low to intermediate probability of CAD
2. Preoperative evaluation for non-coronary surgery
3. Evaluation of intermittent arrhythmias
4. Alternative to invasive angiography in patients who are at high risk for conventional coronary angiography
5. Workup of equivocal nuclear stress test/stress echocardiogram
Coronary Bypass Graft Evaluation
1. Alternative to invasive angiography
2. Bypass graft not visualized on invasive angiography
Coronary Stents
1. Evaluate stent patency
Unresolved questions after cardiac catheterization
1. Coronary anomalies
Patients are asked to eliminate caffeine 24 hrs prior to the examination. If a patient’s heart rate is too high, oral or intravenous beta blockers will be administered. Sublingual nitroglycerin is also administered prior to the exam to optimize visualization of the small coronary vessels.