Accuracy of thin-slice computed tomography in the detection of coronary stenoses

Aim Our aim was to investigate the accuracy of multislice spiral computed tomography (MSCT) in the detection of significant (>50%) coronary stenosis using a scanner equipped for 16 x 0.625 mm collimation. Methods In 64 patients (59 mate, mean age 58 5 years) with suspected coronary artery disease, MSCT (GE Light Speed-16, collimation: 16 x 0.625 mm) was performed 20 5 days before coronary angiography (CAG). Only angiographic segments > 1.5 mm were considered for analysis. Results In all patients, MSCT was carried out without complications. Three patients were excluded from the analysis. Of 729 angiographic segments, 613 (84%) were judged evaluable by MSCT. Considering only the segments judged evaluable, the sensitivity was 89%, specificity 98%, positive predictive value 90%, and negative predictive value 98%. Including all segments in the analysis (evaluable and nonevaluable), sensitivity was 78%. Conclusions Using a scanner with a collimation of 16 x 0.625 mm, our study confirms the potential role of MSCT in the detection of significant coronary stenosis with a sensitivity of 89% and a very high specificity (98%). Exclusion criteria and less than full evaluability of the coronary arteries must still be considered limitations of the method. (C) 2004 The European Society of Cardiology. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.