Opportunities of multi-layer spiral CT in the diagnosis of hemodynamically significant stenosis of coronary arteries

To evaluate the frequency of hemodynamically significant coronary lesions using multispiral computed tomography (MSCT) and compare the data with the invasive angiographic evidence. A retrospective analysis of 49 medical records of the patients (mean patients age 57.8±9.0 years, 31 males and 18 females) scheduled for a noncoronary surgery was conducted. All the patients underwent a selective coronary angiography and coronary artery MSCT. Hemodynamically significant lesions (>70% stenoses and >50% stenoses of the left main) were found in 18 out of 196 coronaries by angiography while MSCT showed 45 diseased coronary arteries out of 196 (>50% stenoses). In 9 patients MSCT results were further confirmed by coronary angiography (50% sensitivity). 149 arteries had no lesions or 50%) with a sensitivity of 50% and a specificity of 80%. A higher negative predictive value of MSCT allows its use as a screening method in the preoperative assessment of patients scheduled for a noncardiac surgery.