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Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography

Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is a noninvasive radiology procedure used to image the coronary arteries, as well as other structures of the heart. CCTA can be used as a screening test for coronary artery disease (plaques causing artery narrowing and restricted blood flow to the heart muscle), as well as for patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) who might have atypical chest pain, equivocal cardiac nuclear scans or stress ECG tests, or other indications.

The CCTA procedure requires an intravenous injection of iodine-containing contrast material ("xray dye"), accompanied by computed tomography (CT) scanning of the heart during a short breath hold. A state-of-the-art high-speed 64-slice CT scanner is required to obtain sharp images, which are computer-processed to provide detailed 3-D pictures of the coronary arteries and other portions of the heart.

The most significant finding with CCTA is usually CAD, but abnormalities of the heart valves, lungs, aorta, and pulmonary arteries can be diagnosed as well.