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World J Cardiol. Dec 26, 2013; 5(12): 442-443
Published online Dec 26, 2013. doi: 10.4330/wjc.v5.i12.442
Coronary CT angiography: State of the art
Zhonghua Sun, Akmal Sabarudin
Zhonghua Sun, Discipline of Medical Imaging, Department of Imaging and Applied Physics, Curtin University, Perth 6845, Western Australia, Australia
Akmal Sabarudin, Diagnostic Imaging and Radiotherapy Program, School of Diagnostic and Applied Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia
Author contributions: Both authors wrote the paper.
Correspondence to: Zhonghua Sun, PhD, Associate Professor, Discipline of Medical Imaging, Department of Imaging and Applied Physics, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth 6845, Western Australia, Australia. z.sun@curtin.edu.au
Telephone: +61-8-9266 7509 Fax: +61-8-9266 2377
Received: July 3, 2013
Revised: July 24, 2013
Accepted: August 28, 2013
Published online: December 26, 2013
Processing time: 177 Days and 18 Hours
Abstract

Coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography has been recognized as the most rapidly developed imaging technique in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease due to the emergence and technological advances in multislice CT scanners. Coronary CT angiography has been confirmed to demonstrate high diagnostic and predictive value in coronary artery disease when compared to invasive coronary angiography. However, it suffers from high radiation dose which raises concerns in the medical field. Various dose-reduction strategies have been proposed with effective outcomes having been achieved to reduce radiation exposure to patients. This article provides an introduction and overview of the series of articles that will focus on each particular topic related to coronary CT angiography.

Keywords: Coronary artery disease; Coronary computed tomography angiography; Radiation dose; Diagnostic value; Predictive value

Core tip: This article provides an overview of a series of articles that focus on individual topic highlight related to coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography. In particular, use of beta-blocker protocol, radiation dose measurements, dose-reduction strategies, diagnostic and prognostic value of coronary CT angiography will be described in detail in each series. Furthermore, potential applications of coronary CT angiography beyond luminal visualization and future directions will also be discussed.