Coronary angiography has been the gold standard for determining the severity, extent and prognosis of coronary atheromatous disease for the past 15-20 years. However, established non-invasive testing (such as myocardial perfusion scintigraphy and stress echocardiography) and newer imaging modalities (multi-detector x ray computed tomography and cardiovascular magnetic resonance) now need to be considered increasingly as a challenge to coronary angiography in contemporary practice. An important consideration is the degree to which appropriate use of such techniques impacts on the need for coronary angiography over the next 10-15 years. This review aims to determine the role of the various investigation techniques in the management of coronary artery disease and their resource implications, and should help determine future service provision, accepting that we are in a period of significant technological change.

A case is presented, in which asymptomatic but persistent right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) ectopics resulted in left ventricular (LV) dilatation and systolic dysfunction. The patient underwent extensive investigation with no other cause for the cardiomyopathy being found. Successful ablation of the RVOT ectopic focus resulted in normalization of LV size and function. This case suggests that frequent ventricular ectopy should be considered as a potentially remediable cause of LV dysfunction.

The authors developed and tested a dual stress magnetic resonance (MR) imaging protocol to evaluate myocardial perfusion, function, and hibernation. The technique was well tolerated, and high-quality images were achieved. The comprehensive information obtained can be used to guide clinical management decisions regarding coronary artery revascularization procedures. This protocol offers a one-stop assessment of patients with coronary artery disease with use of a clinical MR imager.

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