Comparison of Cardiac Computed Tomography for the Detection of Coronary Artery Disease With Nuclear Stress Test

Comparison of Cardiac Computed Tomography for the Detection of Coronary Artery Disease With Nuclear Stress Test

To compare the efficacy of 16-row multi-detector CT (MDCT) with standard myocardial perfusion imaging in detecting coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients without a previously established diagnosis of CAD.

Nuclear stress testing is currently the established non-invasive modality in detecting flow-obstructing coronary artery disease (CAD).

Recently, multi-detector CT (MDCT) has emerged as a new modality that offers a non-invasive means to directly visualize coronary anatomy and any CAD. Studies have shown that MDCT has excellent sensitivity and a high negative predictive value in detecting significant CAD.

The purpose of this study is to compare MDCT with nuclear stress testing for detecting CAD in previously undiagnosed patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Referred for a clinical indicated stress SPECT MPI
• Adequate IV access in both arms

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of coronary angioplasty or stent placement
• History of coronary bypass surgery
• Angiographic history of flow-limiting CAD
• Documented history of elevated cardiac markers
• Documented history of injury or infarct on ECG
• Absence of sinus rhythm
• Current history of renal insufficiency
• Known allergy to contrast dye
• Pregnant