Coronary computed tomography angiography: How should we act on what we find?

Excerpt

Coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) has progressed from an experimental imaging technique to a commonly performed clinical exam in less than 20 years. This rapid evolution was enabled by studies documenting excellent diagnostic accuracy1,2 as well as the prognostic value of detecting non-obstructive and obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD).3-5 Recent clinical trials have shown the utility of coronary CTA among patients presenting to the emergency department with acute chest pain6 and among those with stable symptoms in the outpatient setting.7-9 In the present issue of JNC, a study by Uretsky et al has expanded this list by evaluating the use of CTA among individuals admitted to hospital with acute chest pain and unremarkable troponins and electrocardiographic findings.10 …