ABSTRACT
CT coronary angiography (CT-CA) can image the vessel lumen to evaluate, in a semi-quantitative fashion, the severity of obstructive coronary disease. In addition, CT allows visualization of the atherosclerotic vessel wall. Plaque volumes can be measured and plaque contents can be differentiated to a certain extent. In patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome, CT can be used to safely rule out obstructive coronary artery disease. A normal CT-CA is associated with an excellent prognosis in terms of the risk of future major adverse coronary events. In patients with dilated cardiomyopathy, an ischemic etiology can be accurately detected by using CT. Where the calcium score is zero, an ischemic etiology is highly unlikely. In asymptomatic patients at intermediate/high risk, CT-CA may help both in the assessment of prognosis in individual patients and to guide management. The ability to visualize the threedimensional coronary anatomy makes cardiac CT an ideal technique to evaluate coronary artery anomalies.
