Coronary artery vasculitis: assessment with cardiac multi-detector computed tomography

Int J Cardiovasc Imaging. 2015 Jun:31 Suppl 1:59-67. doi: 10.1007/s10554-015-0652-8. Epub 2015 Apr 5.

Abstract

Coronary artery vasculitis is rare and comprises an array of inflammatory diseases. It often results in severe and life-threatening complications, including coronary artery aneurysm, coronary artery stenosis, intraluminal thrombosis, and microcirculation abnormalities. These may occur at a young age and are often silent in the early phases. Invasive coronary angiography is the gold standard for diagnosing coronary artery disease (CAD); however, multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) is now widely regarded as a powerful non-invasive tool for the detection of CAD. It is important for clinicians to recognize the various CT findings associated with coronary artery vasculitis in order to promote accurate diagnosis and proper patient management. The purpose of this article is to present an overview of the conditions associated with coronary artery vasculitis, with an emphasis on etiology and cardiac MDCT diagnosis of CAD. Cardiac MDCT is clinically useful and can provide information for the accurate diagnosis and treatment of coronary vasculitis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Coronary Angiography / methods*
  • Coronary Artery Disease / diagnostic imaging*
  • Coronary Artery Disease / therapy
  • Coronary Vessels / diagnostic imaging*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Angiography
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multidetector Computed Tomography / methods*
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Prognosis
  • Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Ultrasonography, Interventional
  • Vasculitis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Vasculitis / therapy
  • Young Adult