ABSTRACT
Spiral computed tomography (CT) coronary angiography is able to identify advanced coronary plaques. The diagnostic value of multislice CT (MSCT) in detecting coronary plaques has been reported for non-calcific and calcific plaques. Coronary artery wall expansive remodeling occurs in the earlier phases of the development of coronary atherosclerosis, and enlargement of the whole vessel tends to preserve the normal size of the coronary lumen. The resolution of the current MSCT scanners fails to detect the very early stages of coronary atherosclerosis development. More advanced coronary plaques can be detected, but MSCT substantially underestimates the plaque volume as compared with intracoronary ultrasound. Non-invasive CT assessment of the coronary plaque burden appears to be a useful addition to the diagnostic armamentarium in cardiological practice. Non-invasive CT assessment of coronary plaques of the clinically relevant parts of the entire coronary tree may be useful in the identification of a vulnerable plaque.
