Diagnostic performance of 64 -slice CT coronary angiography

Abstract

Conventional, invasive X-ray coronary angiography (CCA) has been the standard of reference for the assessment of coronary artery disease (CAD). In patients with angina pectoris coronary angiography is the key diagnostic procedure to identify who would benefit from medical therapy, percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass surgery. However, coronary angiography is an invasive procedure, potentially harmful with a small risk of serious adverse events (approx 0.1%) (ventricular fibrillation, stroke, coronary artery dissection, myocardial infarction, death) and discomfort to the patient. Furthermore, the catheterization-procedure is rather expensive, because of its invasive nature it involves admission to a hospital or day-care facility