Study Comparing CT Scan and Stress Test in Patients With Known Coronary Artery Disease Hospitalized for Chest Pain

A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Coronary CT Angiography and Radionuclide Stress Myocardial Perfusion Imaging in Symptomatic Inpatients With Known Coronary Artery Disease

The purpose of this study is to determine whether coronary artery CT scanning or nuclear stress testing is better at diagnosing chest pain patients with known coronary artery disease to select appropriate candidates for coronary catheterization and re-vascularization.

Inclusion Criteria:

• patient admitted for chest pain / pressure or other suggestive symptoms
• patient has known coronary artery disease (with or without prior revascularization)
• patient has clinical need for non-invasive cardiac evaluation

Exclusion Criteria:

• evidence of ongoing myocardial infarction or hemodynamic instability
• ischemia on EKG (greater than 1mm ST segment deviation)
• contraindications to CT scanning with iodinated intravenous contrast (including allergies, asthma and renal dysfunction)
• heart rhythm precluding EKG gating
• pregnancy