CT Scans for Coronary Artery Disease: Are They Useful or Overused?

Dr. Marian Limacher moderated the topic Scans for Coronary Artery Disease: Are They Useful or Overused? with Drs. Matthew Allison, Associate Professor at the University of California, San Diego, and Allen Taylor, Co-Director of Non-Invasive Imaging at the Cardiology Division of Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C. participating. The panelists engage in a discussion centered on the value to the physician and patient of using cardiac computed tomography scans in the assessment of coronary artery disease. The different technologies are defined and differentiated, including availability of newer equipment and the continued use of older scanning methods. The experts address: (1) the usefulness of CT scans to provide additional information for more accurate patient risk stratification (2) safety and risk of CT scan radiation exposure (3) the use of CT scans for patient adherence to medication guidelines (4) the cost of CT scans and insurance coverage (5) application of CT scan technology in symptomatic versus asymptomatic patients (6) alternative testing uses (7) ongoing research including MESA and studies regarding CT angiography. (Med Roundtable Cardiovasc Ed. 2010;1(1):18-24) ©2010 FoxP2 Media, LLC