Diagnostic and prognostic value of non-invasive imaging in known or suspected coronary artery disease

Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging. 2006 Jan;33(1):93-104. doi: 10.1007/s00259-005-1965-y.

Abstract

The role of non-invasive imaging techniques in the evaluation of patients with suspected or known coronary artery disease (CAD) has increased exponentially over the past decade. The traditionally available imaging modalities, including nuclear imaging, stress echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), have relied on detection of CAD by visualisation of its functional consequences (i.e. ischaemia). However, extensive research is being invested in the development of non-invasive anatomical imaging using computed tomography or MRI to allow detection of (significant) atherosclerosis, eventually at a preclinical stage. In addition to establishing the presence of or excluding CAD, identification of patients at high risk for cardiac events is of paramount importance to determine post-test management, and the majority of non-invasive imaging tests can also be used for this purpose. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the available non-invasive imaging modalities and their merits for the diagnostic and prognostic work-up in patients with suspected or known CAD.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Coronary Artery Disease / complications
  • Coronary Artery Disease / diagnosis*
  • Diagnostic Imaging / methods*
  • Humans
  • Myocardial Infarction / diagnosis*
  • Myocardial Infarction / etiology
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Practice Patterns, Physicians'
  • Prognosis
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Risk Assessment / methods*
  • Risk Factors
  • Sensitivity and Specificity