Computed Tomographic Coronary Angiography: Experience at Baylor University Medical Center/Baylor Jack and Jane Hamilton Heart and Vascular Hospital

Sixty-four–slice multidetector computed tomography: the future of ED cardiac care

“…Given its high negative predictive value for coronary artery disease and the rapidity with which it can be performed, it will likely become a part of the standard workup of ED patients with acute chest pain, possibly allowing immediate discharge of patients found to be free of stenosis. In addition, important prognostic information such as the level of plaque calcification, the degree of stenosis, and the ejection fraction can be determined [11,15,16].…”

“…The cost of the study (approximately $2000) is considerably less than cardiac catheterization [8,11]. Furthermore, MDCT adapts familiar technology that is more widely available in EDs than modalities such as stress testing.…”

“…In 2003, at least 1.4 million of these procedures were performed in the inpatient setting alone [8,11]. Approximately one fourth of patients undergoing the test will have normal coronary vessels and will not require percutaneous intervention [12,13].…”