Computer tomography with 64 detectors equals invasive coronary angiography

A new study compared computer tomography (CT) with 64 detectors (multidetector CT - MDCT) with invasive coronary angiography (imaging of heart vessels through insertion of catheters into the heart and injection of contrast medium under X-ray guidance - heretofore most accurate method that requires a short hospital stay). The main advantage of MDCT is the noninvasive character, therefore a minimum risk for the patient. In this study, findings in 66 patients (245 coronary arteries) were evaluated with excellent diagnostic performance (positive and negative predictive values 97% and 92% respectively). The authors noted that these results are substantial improvement in comparison with previous CT technologies.

Source: Am J Cardiol 2006;97:173-174, 287-293

HMC commentary: The method of MDCT is an example of technology that drives the paradigm shift in the health care delivery in the developed world. Procedures and method hitherto performed on inpatient basis get transferred into the outpatient settings carrying smaller risks to the patients and also changing profoundly the structure of providers. Projects of modern providers need to reflect these changes, therefore only providers who carefully and timely evaluate these trends can succeed in the near future.