Cardiology

CT Coronary Angiography

A pioneering non-invasive, high-precision examination using the new GE Revolution Maxima 128-slice CT scanner. It visualizes the coronary arteries and the nature of atherosclerotic plaques, providing valuable information about cardiovascular health.

What CT Coronary Angiography offers compared to conventional coronary angiography:

Non-invasive procedure: No catheter insertion is required, unlike conventional coronary angiography which is performed invasively and carries a risk of complications.
Bloodless and painless examination, with minimal inconvenience for the patient.
Ability to evaluate the extent and composition of atherosclerotic plaques (calcified and non-calcified), in addition to diagnosing stenoses.
Reduction in the number of cases requiring invasive coronary angiography, particularly for diagnostic purposes.

Indications:

Patients with chest pain or other symptoms suggestive of coronary artery disease.
Asymptomatic individuals with multiple risk factors (diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, family history).
Individuals with low to moderate probability of obstructive coronary artery disease, for diagnosis and risk assessment (ESC 2024).
Individuals with inconclusive results from other non-invasive methods (stress test, stress echo, myocardial perfusion scan).

Advantages & The Role of CCTA:

First-line examination for patients with low to moderate probability of coronary artery disease.
High negative predictive value — when CCTA results are normal, the likelihood of significant stenoses is very low.
Early-stage detection of atherosclerotic plaque for timely preventive and therapeutic measures.
More timely treatment and better planning of pharmacological or interventional therapeutic strategy.
Reduction of invasive procedures performed solely for diagnostic purposes.
Lower radiation dose with the GE Revolution Maxima, while maintaining excellent imaging quality.

Examination Procedure:

A detailed medical history is taken prior to the examination. Intravenous contrast agent is administered to visualize the coronary arteries. The core scan takes approximately 10 seconds. A specialized cardiologist is present throughout the procedure, monitoring the process, evaluating images, and ensuring proper guidance. The patient returns to daily activities immediately with no need for hospitalization.

Contraindications / Limitations:

Extensive vascular calcification that may affect image clarity.
Significant arrhythmias or unstable heart rate.
Morbid obesity.
Small-diameter intravascular stents that make accurate assessment of patency difficult.
Severe renal insufficiency or allergy to intravenous contrast agent.
Patients unable to cooperate with breathing instructions.