Identifying and redefining stenosis by CT angiography

Abstract

Coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) has emerged as a novel noninvasive method for the evaluation of not only coronary artery stenosis but also arterial wall and plaque features. Recent developments in CCTA technology enable the simultaneous assessment of coronary stenosis, atherosclerotic plaque characteristics, physiologic significance of lesion-specific ischemia, and cardiac function. Through these studies, the prognostic significance of individual coronary lesions and ventricular function can be determined and used to direct therapy. Future studies are needed to establish the totality of coronary artery plaque measures that improve clinical utility.