Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) has recently made significant technological and clinical advances. Submillimeter slice thickness, increased detectors and reduced acquisition times have multiplied the number of patients that can benefit from noninvasive diagnostic imaging.

Cardiac exams represent only about five percent of all CT procedures, but cardiac CT continues to generate the most interest at manufacturers’ exhibits as seen at the 2006 RSNA Annual Scientific Meeting. The fascination with Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (CVCT) remains high even though full reimbursement is not expected to occur until 2009, according to industry observers at RSNA.

The application of computed tomography in cardiovascular practice has utilized electron beam computed tomography (EBCT) and multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). Both are useful for calcium scoring; however, the superior spatial resolution of MDCT has made it the dominant modality in arterial imaging.