The equipment and professional expertise available at San Diego Imaging provides patients with the latest scanning technology of the heart and coronary arteries available. Coronary CT angiography (CCTA) is a non-invasive test that allows visualization of the coronary arteries. In addition to identifying luminal stenosis, the walls of the coronary arteries can also be assessed for the presence of intramural plaque, which often precedes the development of actual luminal narrowing. This makes CCTA an ideal tool in the evaluation of pre-clinical coronary artery disease.

Indications for CCTA include:

Intermediate to high-risk profiles for coronary artery disease, but who do not have typical symptoms (especially chest pain, shortness of breath, or fatigue during heavy physical activity.) Unusual symptoms for coronary artery disease (such as chest pain unrelated to physical exertion), but low to intermediate risk profiles for coronary artery disease. Unclear or inconclusive stress-test (treadmill test) results.

Either as part of the coronary artery CT angiogram or as a separate examination, coronary artery calcium (CAC) may be quantitatively measured. The coronary artery calcium score has been shown to be an independent indicator of coronary artery disease, allowing individualized stratification of risk for future coronary events.

The structure and function of the left ventricle may also be assessed without any increase in radiation exposure to the patient. Advanced software determines the volume of the left ventricular at the end of both systole and diastole, allowing calculation of the heart’s ejection fraction. The left ventricular wall is also visualized at multiple phases throughout the cardiac cycle, allowing the detection of any motion abnormalities.

We believe that this information will be helpful in your direct management of potential coronary risks or disease.