Impact of Computed Tomography Coronary Angiography on Other Diagnostic Tests (original) (raw)
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The International Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging, 2010
To compare utilization of non-invasive ischemic testing, invasive coronary angiography (ICA), and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures before and after introduction of 64-slice multi-detector row coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) in a large urban primary and consultative cardiology practice. We utilized a review of electronic medical records (NotesMD Ò ) and the electronic practice management system (Megawest Ò ) encompassing a 4-year period from 2004 to 2007 to determine the number of exercise treadmill (TME), supine bicycle exercise echocardiography (SBE), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) myocardial perfusion stress imaging (MPI), coronary calcium score (CCS), CCTA, ICA, and PCI procedures performed annually. Test utilization in the 2 years prior to and 2 years following availability of CCTA were compared. Over the 4-year period reviewed, the annual utilization of ICA decreased 45% 2,083 procedures in 2004 vs. 1,150 procedures in 2007, P \ 0.01) and the percentage of ICA cases requiring PCI increased (19% in 2004 vs. 28% in 2007, P \ 0.001). SPECT MPI decreased 19% (3,223 in 2004 vs. 2,614 in 2007 P \ 0.02) and exercise stress treadmill testing decreased 49% (471 in 2004 vs. 241 in 2007 P \ 0.02). Over the same period, there were no significant changes in measures of practice volume (office and hospital) or the annual incidence of PCI (405 cases in 2004 vs. 326 cases in 2007) but a higher percentage of patients with significant disease undergoing PCI 19% in 2004 vs. 29% in 2007 P \ 0.01.
Swiss Medical Weekly, 2019
AIMS OF THE STUDY: Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is recommended as a first-line option for the exclusion of coronary artery disease in patients with low to intermediate (15-50%) pretest probability. We aimed to study the use of CCTA in clinical practice in a single centre in Switzerland in light of this recommendation. METHODS: In 523 consecutive patients (age 56 ± 13 years, 48% females) undergoing CCTA during a period of 2 years, the pretest probability of coronary artery disease was assessed using the revised Diamond-Forrester model (CAD consortium score). In patients who had invasive coronary angiography following CCTA, angiographic findings and the consequences regarding management are reported. RESULTS: The majority of patients (n = 316; 60%) had a pretest probability <15%, 188/523 (36%) had a pretest probability between 15 and 50%, and 19/523 (4%) had a pretest probability >50%. The prevalences of coronary artery disease (≥50% lumen diameter reduction) by CCTA in patients with pretest probability <15%, 15-50%, and >50% were 25/316 (8%), 45/188 (24%) and 8/19 (42%), respectively. In 438/523 patients (84%), a CCTA scan showing no coronary artery disease represented the final diagnostic step. In patients undergoing invasive coronary angiography (n = 59, age 58 ± 9 years, 88% with coronary artery disease by CCTA), coronary artery disease was found in 47/59 (80%) patients and 36/59 (61%) patients underwent revascularisation. The prevalences of coronary artery disease by invasive coronary angiography in patients with pretest probability <15%, 15-50%, and >50% were 14/21 (67%), 28/32 (88%) and 5/6 (83%). CONCLUSIONS: The present data suggest that the currently used pretest probability model is still imperfect and that guideline recommendations regarding pretest probability use for the selection of CCTA candidates are not followed completely. Still, in more than 80% of patients coronary artery disease could be excluded by CCTA, while CCTA also detected a significant number of patients with coronary artery disease in the low pretest probability population. Thus, the data suggest a very judicious use of CC-TA as a gatekeeper for invasive coronary angiography in current practice.
Journal of Nuclear Cardiology, 2008
Background-Computed tomographic coronary angiography (CTA), given its high negative predictive value, is a potential gatekeeper for invasive coronary angiography (ICA). Before CTA can be further accepted into clinical practice, its impact on healthcare resources needs to be better understood. We sought to determine the clinical impact of CTA on ICA referrals, CTA accuracy, and normalcy rate. Methods and Results-To determine the impact of CTA, consecutive patients (nϭ7017) undergoing ICA before and after implementing a dedicated cardiac CT program were reviewed and compared with 3 other centers (nϭ11 508). To determine CTA accuracy, we evaluated consecutive CTA patients who underwent ICA. For normalcy rate, we identified patients with a low pretest probability for obstructive coronary artery disease. With the implementation of a cardiac CT program, the frequency of normal ICA decreased from 31.5% (1114 of 3538 patients) to 26.8% (932 of 3479 patients) (PϽ0.001). These findings were significantly different (Pϭ0.003) from the 3 centers, in which normal ICAs were unchanged (30.0% [1870 of 6224 patients] to 31.0% [1642 of 5284 patients]). CTA had excellent per-patient sensitivity (99% [CI, 95% to 100%]), positive predictive value (92% [CI, 86% to 96%]) and negative predictive value (95% [CI, 72% to 100%]). Because of referral bias, specificity (64% [CI, 44% to 81%]) was low; however, the normalcy rate of CTA was 94% (CI, 90% to 97%). After adjusting for referral bias, the adjusted sensitivity was 90% (CI, 89% to 91%), and the adjusted specificity was 95% (CI, 94% to 96%), with positive and negative predictive values of 92% (CI, 91% to 93%) and 93% (CI, 92% to 94%), respectively. Conclusion-The clinical implementation of CTA appears to positively impact ICA by reducing the frequency of normal ICA. The operating characteristics of CTA support its potential role as a tool useful in ruling out obstructive coronary artery disease. (Circ Cardiovasc Imaging. 2009;2:16-23.) Key Words: computed tomography Ⅲ coronary angiography Ⅲ clinical impact Ⅲ accuracy Ⅲ normalcy C omputed tomographic coronary angiography (CTA) is a rapidly emerging diagnostic tool for the detection of coronary artery disease (CAD). 1-9 However, data supporting widespread utilization of this modality are lacking.
Temporal trends in utilization of cardiac computed tomography
Journal of …, 2009
BACKGROUND: Appropriate, inappropriate, and uncertain indications for the use of cardiac computed tomography (CT) were defined by a multisociety document in 2006. We sought to compare the appropriateness of cardiac CT examinations before and after these criteria were published.
Limited clinical utility of CT coronary angiography in a district hospital setting
QJM, 2010
Background: Studies have demonstrated considerable accuracy of multi-slice CT coronary angiography (MSCT-CA) in comparison to invasive coronary angiography (I-CA) for evaluating coronary artery disease (CAD). The extent to which published MSCT-CA accuracy parameters are transferable to routine practice beyond high-volume tertiary centres is unknown. Aim: To determine the accuracy of MSCT-CA for the detection of CAD in a Scottish district general hospital. Design: Prospective study of diagnostic accuracy. Method: One hundred patients with suspected CAD recruited from two Glasgow hospitals underwent both MSCT-CA (Philips Brilliance 40 Â 0.625 collimation, 50-200 ms temporal resolution) and I-CA. Studies were reported by independent, blinded radiologists and cardiologists and compared using the AHA 15-segment model. Results: Of 100 patients [55 male, 45 female, mean (SD) age 58.0 (10.7) years], 59 and 41% had low-intermediate and high pre-test probabilities of significant CAD, respectively. Mean (SD) heart rate during MSCT-CA was 68.8 (9.0) bpm. Fifty-seven per cent of patients had coronary artery calcification and 35% were obese. Patient prevalence of CAD was 38%. Per-patient sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative (NPV) predictive values for MSCT-CA were 92.1, 47.5, 52.2 and 90.6%, respectively. NPV was reduced to 75.0% in the high pre-test probability group. Specificity was compromised in patients with sub-optimally controlled heart rates, calcified arteries and elevated BMI. Conclusion: Forty-Slice MSCT-CA has a high NPV for ruling out significant CAD when performed in a district hospital setting in patients with low-intermediate pre-test probability and minimal arterial calcification. Specificity is compromised by clinically appropriate strategies for dealing with unevaluable studies. Effective heart rate control during MSCT-CA is imperative. National guidelines should be utilized to govern patient selection and direct MSCT-CA reporter training to ensure quality control.
Background-Computed tomographic coronary angiography (CTA), given its high negative predictive value, is a potential gatekeeper for invasive coronary angiography (ICA). Before CTA can be further accepted into clinical practice, its impact on healthcare resources needs to be better understood. We sought to determine the clinical impact of CTA on ICA referrals, CTA accuracy, and normalcy rate. Methods and Results-To determine the impact of CTA, consecutive patients (nϭ7017) undergoing ICA before and after implementing a dedicated cardiac CT program were reviewed and compared with 3 other centers (nϭ11 508). To determine CTA accuracy, we evaluated consecutive CTA patients who underwent ICA. For normalcy rate, we identified patients with a low pretest probability for obstructive coronary artery disease. With the implementation of a cardiac CT program, the frequency of normal ICA decreased from 31.5% (1114 of 3538 patients) to 26.8% (932 of 3479 patients) (PϽ0.001). These findings were significantly different (Pϭ0.003) from the 3 centers, in which normal ICAs were unchanged (30.0% [1870 of 6224 patients] to 31.0% [1642 of 5284 patients]). CTA had excellent per-patient sensitivity (99% [CI, 95% to 100%]), positive predictive value (92% [CI, 86% to 96%]) and negative predictive value (95% [CI, 72% to 100%]). Because of referral bias, specificity (64% [CI, 44% to 81%]) was low; however, the normalcy rate of CTA was 94% (CI, 90% to 97%). After adjusting for referral bias, the adjusted sensitivity was 90% (CI, 89% to 91%), and the adjusted specificity was 95% (CI, 94% to 96%), with positive and negative predictive values of 92% (CI, 91% to 93%) and 93% (CI, 92% to 94%), respectively. Conclusion-The clinical implementation of CTA appears to positively impact ICA by reducing the frequency of normal ICA. The operating characteristics of CTA support its potential role as a tool useful in ruling out obstructive coronary artery disease. (Circ Cardiovasc Imaging. 2009;2:16-23.)
Circulation Journal, 2009
Background: To evaluate the lifetime potential benefits and cost-effectiveness of using 64 multidetector-row computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) as a noninvasive imaging modality for patients at risk for coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods and Results: A decision and cost-effective analysis using a Markov model was performed to compare 4 strategies: (1) no examination, (2) routine coronary angiography (CAG), (3) CTCA, or (4) medication without CAG or CTCA in persons at risk for stable CAD. Compared with the no examination and no treatment strategies, CTCA gained 0.551 quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of US$15,581 (in 2007) per QALY. Routine CAG gained 0.012 QALYs compared with the CTCA strategy, with an ICER of US$445,276 per QALY. Conclusions: Using CTCA as the first-line examination for 60-year-old men at risk for stable CAD achieved gains of QALY comparable to that of routine CAG, but at a lower cost.
Efficacy of coronary CT angiography: Where we are, where we are going, and where we want to be
Journal of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography, 2009
Over the decade since its earliest introduction, coronary CT angiography has spread rapidly, despite the fact that its validation base is smaller than that of alternative imaging examinations. Consensus statements have issued a call for improvement of coronary CTangiography's knowledge base. This article reviews recent progress in validating the efficacy of coronary CT angiography in the detection of coronary artery disease, with a focus on clinical decision making, management, and outcomes. We discuss the rationale for comparative effectiveness research and a framework for assessment of levels of efficacy. Comparison is made with radionuclide myocardial perfusion imaging, which serves as a model noninvasive examination. The potential roles of coronary CT angiography in screening, early triage, and as a gatekeeper for catheterization are discussed. Although few randomized controlled trials have been performed to date, we review the pivotal publications and mention ongoing and future efforts. Cardiovascular event rates provide the basis for estimating the success of potential study designs. The rigorous validation of coronary CT angiography may serve as a model for other noninvasive diagnostics.
Radiology, 2009
To determine the cost-effectiveness of computed tomographic (CT) coronary angiography as a triage test, performed prior to conventional coronary angiography, by using a Markov model. Materials and Methods: A Markov model was used to analyze the cost-effectiveness of CT coronary angiography performed as a triage test prior to conventional coronary angiography from the perspective of the patient, physician, hospital, health care system, and society by using recommendations from the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Netherlands for cost-effectiveness analyses. For CT coronary angiography, a range of sensitivities (79%-100%) and specificities (63%-94%) were used to help diagnose significant coronary artery disease (CAD). Optimization criteria (ie, outcomes considered) were: revised posttest probability of CAD, life-years, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), costs, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs). Extensive sensitivity analysis was performed. Results: For a prior probability of CAD of less than 40%, the probability of CAD after CT coronary angiography with negative results was less than 1%. The Markov model calculations from the patient/physician perspective suggest that CT coronary angiography maximizes life-years respectively in 60-year-old men and women at a prior probability of less than 38% and 24% and maximizes QALYs at a prior probability of less than 17% and 11%. From the hospital/health care perspective, CT coronary angiography helps reduce health care and direct nonhealth care-related costs (according to UK/U.S. recommendations), regardless of prior probability, and lowers all costs, including production losses (Netherlands recommendations) at a prior probability of less than 87%-92%. Analysis performed from a societal perspective by using a willingness-topay threshold level of €80 000/QALY suggests that CT coronary angiography is cost-effective when the prior probability is lower than 44% and 37% in men and women, respectively. Sensitivity analyses showed that results changed across the reported range of sensitivity of CT coronary angiography. Conclusion: The optimal diagnostic work-up depends on the optimization criterion, prior probability of CAD, and the diagnostic performance of CT coronary angiography.
Journal of cardiovascular computed tomography, 2017
The rising cost of healthcare is prompting numerous policy and advocacy discussions regarding strategies for constraining growth and creating a more efficient and effective healthcare system. Cardiovascular imaging is central to the care of patients at risk of, and living with, heart disease. Estimates are that utilization of cardiovascular imaging exceeds 20 million studies per year. The Society of Cardiovascular CT (SCCT), alongside Rush University Medical Center, and in collaboration with government agencies, regional payers, and industry healthcare experts met in November 2016 in Chicago, IL to evaluate obstacles and hurdles facing the cardiovascular imaging community and how they can contribute to efficacy while maintaining or even improving outcomes and quality. The summit incorporated inputs from payers, providers, and patients' perspectives, providing a platform for all voices to be heard, allowing for a constructive dialogue with potential solutions moving forward. This...