Coronary artery disease: from atherosclerosis to obstructive disease, inducible ischaemia, and the ischaemic cascade

ESC CardioMed ◽  
2018 ◽  
pp. 1331-1339
Author(s):  
Jeroen J. Bax
Keyword(s):  
Coronary Artery Disease ◽  
Coronary Artery ◽  
Coronary Angiography ◽  
Coronary Atherosclerosis ◽  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Invasive Coronary Angiography ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Anatomical Imaging ◽  
Artery Disease ◽  
Ischaemic Cascade

The inclusion or exclusion of coronary artery disease is important for patient management, both from a diagnostic and prognostic view, as well as from a therapeutic view. Various detection techniques are available, including invasive (coronary angiography) or non-invasive imaging techniques. The techniques can also be divided into anatomical imaging or functional imaging, where anatomical imaging detects coronary atherosclerosis and stenosis (invasive coronary angiography, but also non-invasive coronary angiography—performed with multidetector computed tomography), while functional imaging (nuclear imaging, stress echocardiography, and cardiovascular magnetic resonance) detects ischaemia: the haemodynamic consequences of the atherosclerosis/stenosis. The early phase of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease is often asymptomatic (and anatomical imaging can be used to detect/exclude coronary atherosclerosis), whereas with progression of atherosclerotic disease, symptoms occur related to myocardial ischaemia. Non-invasive imaging can facilitate in the detection of both early (asymptomatic) and more advanced (symptomatic, ischaemic) coronary artery disease. The pathophysiological cascade of cardiac abnormalities that occur once ischaemia is induced is referred to as the ischaemic cascade. The ischaemic cascade consists of chronological development of perfusion abnormalities, followed by diastolic dysfunction, then systolic dysfunction, and finally electrocardiographic abnormalities. In this chapter, the variety of the different non-invasive imaging techniques to assess the different phases of the non-ischaemic part and the ischaemic part (ischaemic cascade) of coronary artery disease are described.

scholarly journals Diagnostic and prognostic value of coronary artery calcium score of zero: is it time for guidelines to change?

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
E Arbas Redondo ◽  
D Tebar Marquez ◽  
I.D Poveda Pinedo ◽  
R Dalmau Gonzalez-Gallarza ◽  
S.C Valbuena Lopez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coronary Artery Disease ◽  
Coronary Artery ◽  
Coronary Angiography ◽  
Coronary Artery Calcium ◽  
Cardiac Ct ◽  
Invasive Coronary Angiography ◽  
Agatston Score ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Artery Disease

Abstract Introduction Cardiac computed tomography (CT) use has progressively increased as the preferred initial test to rule out coronary artery disease (CAD) when clinical likelihood is low. Coronary artery calcium (CAC) detected by CT is a well-established marker for cardiovascular risk. However, it is not recommended for diagnosis of obstructive CAD. Absence of CAC, defined as an Agatston score of zero, has been associated to good prognosis despite underestimation of non-calcified plaques. Purpose To evaluate whether zero CAC score could help ruling out obstructive CAD in a safely manner. Methods Observational study based on a prospective database of patients (pts) referred to cardiac CT between 2017 and 2019. Pts with an Agatston score of zero were selected. Results We included 176 pts with zero CAC score and non-invasive coronary angiography performed. The median duration of follow-up was 23.9 months. Baseline characteristics of the population are shown in Table 1. In 117 pts (66.5%), cardiac CT was indicated as part of their chest pain evaluation. Mean age was 57.2 years old, 68.2% were women and only and 9.4% were active smokers. Normal coronary arteries were found in 173 pts (98.3%). Obstructive CAD, defined as ≥50% luminal diameter stenosis of a major vessel, was present in 1/176 (0.6%); while non-obstructive atherosclerotic plaques were found in 2 pts (1.1%). During follow-up, one patient died of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. None either suffered from myocardial infarction or needed coronary revascularization. Conclusions In our cohort, a zero CAC score detected by cardiac CT rules out obstructive coronary artery disease in 98.3%, with only 1.7% of non-calcified atherosclerosis plaques and 0.6% of major adverse events. Although further research on this topic is needed, these results support the fact that non-invasive coronary angiography could be avoided in patients with low clinical likelihood of CAD and zero CAC score, facilitating the management of the increasing demand for coronary CT and reduction of radiation dose. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Invasive and non-invasive (computed tomography) angiography

ESC CardioMed ◽  
2018 ◽  
pp. 1348-1353
Author(s):  
Stephan Achenbach
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Coronary Artery Disease ◽  
Coronary Artery ◽  
Coronary Angiography ◽  
Computed Tomography Angiography ◽  
Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography ◽  
Invasive Coronary Angiography ◽  
Coronary Computed Tomography ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Artery Disease

For diagnosis and treatment planning of patients with stable coronary artery disease, coronary angiography is of particular importance. Invasive coronary angiography is a robust and accurate method for the identification of coronary artery stenoses and occlusions, with the option for immediate intervention. Due to its invasiveness, its small, but not negligible risk for complications, and the fact that angiographic stenosis severity does not closely correspond with ischaemia, coronary angiography is not a first-line test in patients with suspected coronary artery disease. Invasive coronary angiography should be performed when non-invasive testing indicates the presence of relevant ischaemia, when symptoms are compelling and cannot be controlled by medication, or when symptoms are accompanied by reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. In order to determine the presence or absence of ischaemia, invasive coronary angiography can be complemented by fractional flow reserve measurements. Coronary computed tomography angiography is a non-invasive alternative method to visualize the coronary lumen, but requires careful patient selection, data acquisition, and processing. It is not as stable and robust as invasive coronary angiography. However, the use of coronary computed tomography angiography can be considered in patients with a low-to-intermediate risk for coronary artery disease in order to rule out coronary artery stenoses when patient characteristics indicate a high likelihood of fully diagnostic image quality.

scholarly journals Screening for coronary artery disease in early surgical treatment of acute aortic valve infective endocarditis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wiebe G Knol ◽  
Ali R Wahadat ◽  
Jolien W Roos-Hesselink ◽  
Nicolas M Van Mieghem ◽  
Wilco Tanis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Coronary Artery Disease ◽  
Coronary Artery ◽  
Infective Endocarditis ◽  
Perioperative Complications ◽  
Invasive Coronary Angiography ◽  
Perioperative Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Estimated Risk ◽  
Artery Disease

Abstract OBJECTIVES In patients with unknown coronary status undergoing surgery for acute infective endocarditis (IE), the need to screen for coronary artery disease (CAD) and the risk of embolization during invasive coronary angiography (ICA) are debated. Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is a non-invasive alternative in these patients. We aimed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of ICA and CCTA to diagnose CAD, and the necessity to treat CAD to prevent CAD-related postoperative complications. METHODS In this single-centre retrospective cohort study, all patients with acute aortic IE between 2009 and 2019 undergoing surgery were selected. Outcomes were any clinically evident embolization after preoperative ICA, in-hospital mortality, perioperative myocardial infarction or unplanned revascularization and postoperative renal function. RESULTS Of the 159 included patients, CAD status was already known in 14. No preoperative diagnostics for CAD was done in 46/145, a CCTA was performed in 54/145 patients and an ICA in 52/145 patients. Significant CAD was found after CCTA in 22% and after ICA in 21% of patients. In 1 of the 52 (2%) patients undergoing preoperative ICA, a cerebral embolism occurred. The rate of perioperative myocardial infarction or unplanned revascularization in patients not screened for CAD was 2% (1 out of 46 patients). CONCLUSIONS Although the risk of embolism after preoperative ICA is low, it should be carefully weighed against the estimated risk of CAD-related perioperative complications. CCTA can serve as a gatekeeper for ICA in most patients with acute aortic IE.

scholarly journals CT Coronary Angiography versus Coronary Angiography to Detect Specificity and Sensitivity of CT Coronary

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Sheref M Zaghloul ◽  
Walid Hassan ◽  
Ashraf M Reda ◽  
Ghada M Sultan ◽  
Mohamed A Salah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coronary Artery Disease ◽  
Coronary Artery ◽  
Coronary Angiography ◽  
Present Report ◽  
Invasive Coronary Angiography ◽  
Ct Coronary Angiography ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Stent Restenosis ◽  
Specificity And Sensitivity ◽  
Artery Disease

Background: Various diagnostic tests including conventional invasive coronary angiography and non-invasive Computed Tomography (CT) coronary angiography are used in the diagnosis of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). Objective: The present report aims to evaluate the specificity and sensitivity of CT coronary angiography in diagnosis of coronary artery disease compared to the standard invasive coronary angiography. Methods: A retrospective study was done over 2 years started from May of 2015 up to May of 2017. The medical evaluation was based on systematic reviews of diagnostic studies with invasive coronary angiography and those with CT coronary angiogram. Data on special indications (bypass grafts, in-stent-restenosis) were also included in the evaluation. The CT scanners used with 320 slices. The study included patients with diabetes, hypertension, and data included age, glomerular filtration rate and ejection fraction. Results: Of the 99 patients included in the study, sensitivity of the total lesions were 87.1% which was highest for the graft lesions (100% sensitivity) and lowest for the Left Main (LM) lesions (83.3% sensitivity), on the other hand the specificity of the total lesion were high (98.1% specificity) which also was highest for the graft lesions (100% specificity) and lowest for the Left Anterior Descending (LAD) lesions (95% specificity). Regarding accuracy, CT coronary was 96.6% accurate for the whole lesions. Conclusions: From a medical point of view, CT coronary angiography using scanners with at least 320 slices should be recommended as a test to rule in obstructive coronary stenosis in order to avoid inappropriate invasive coronary angiography in patients with an intermediate pretest probability of CAD. Multi detector CT (MDCT) has reasonably high accuracy for detecting significant obstructive CAD when assessed at artery level.

Computerized tomography: coronary angiography and cardiac imaging

2021 ◽  
pp. 224-245
Author(s):  
Jeff M Smit ◽  
Mohammed El Mahdiui ◽  
Michiel A de Graaf ◽  
Arthur JHA Scholte ◽  
Lucia Kroft ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coronary Artery Disease ◽  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Chest Pain ◽  
Coronary Artery ◽  
Coronary Angiography ◽  
Computerized Tomography ◽  
Acute Chest Pain ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Computerized Tomography Angiography ◽  
Artery Disease

Patients presenting with chronic and acute chest pain constitute a common and important diagnostic challenge. This has increased interest in using computerized tomography for non-invasive visualization of coronary artery disease in patients presenting with acute chest pain to the emergency department, particularly the subset of patients who are suspected of having an acute coronary syndrome, but without typical electrocardiographic changes and with normal troponin levels at presentation. As a result of rapid developments in coronary computerized tomography angiography technology, high diagnostic accuracies for excluding coronary artery disease can be obtained. It has been shown that these patients can be discharged safely. The accuracy for detecting a significant coronary artery stenosis is also high, but the presence of coronary artery atherosclerosis or stenosis does not imply necessarily that the cause of the chest pain is related to coronary artery disease. Moreover, non-invasive detection of coronary artery disease by computerized tomography has been shown to be related with an increased use of subsequent invasive coronary angiography and revascularization, and further studies are needed to define which patients benefit from invasive evaluation following coronary computerized tomography angiography. Conversely, implementation of coronary computerized tomography angiography can significantly reduce the length of hospital stay, with a significant cost reduction. Additionally, computerized tomography is an excellent modality in patients whose symptoms suggest other causes of acute chest pain such as aortic aneurysm, aortic dissection, or pulmonary embolism. Furthermore, acquisition of the coronary arteries, thoracic aorta, and pulmonary arteries in a single computerized tomography examination is feasible, allowing ‘triple rule-out’ (exclusion of aortic dissection, pulmonary embolism, and coronary artery disease). Finally, other applications, such as evaluation of coronary artery plaque composition, myocardial function and perfusion, and non-invasive assessment of fractional flow reserve from coronary computerized tomography angiography, are currently being developed and may also become valuable in the setting of chronic and acute chest pain in the future.

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