Coronary CT angiography is used to examine the coronary arteries in a non-invasive way when a patient is suspected of having coronary artery disease. The test, however, requires relatively high levels of radiation, which have been linked to DNA damage and cancer, and the use of contrast material, which can affect kidney function. The SOMATOM Force, a new third-generation CT scanner manufactured by Siemens, was recently installed at MUSC and holds the potential to obtain quality images while also reducing radiation dose and contrast material. This study aims to test the diagnostic ability of the SOMATOM Force in detecting coronary artery disease and also see if radiation dose and contrast material are reduced compared to the previous 2nd generation scanners. It is suspected that the Force will provide clinical quality images while decreasing radiation dose and contrast material required.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
DIAGNOSTIC
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
46
Coronary CT angiography using iodinated contrast; metoprolol and/or nitroglycerin may also be administered on a per-patient basis
Clinically indicated coronary CT angiography previously performed on a 2nd generation CT scanner
MUSC Ashley River Tower
Charleston, South Carolina, United States
Radiation dose and contrast material
To determine the potential for reductions in radiation dose and contrast material requirements by performing coronary CT angiography at low tube potential with the new CT system.
Time frame: one year
Diagnostic accuracy
To determine the diagnostic accuracy of coronary CT angiography performed with the new CT system using coronary catheterization or nuclear myocardial perfusion imaging as reference standards.
Time frame: one year
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