Doctors are hoping the results of a new study led by Johns Hopkins University will pave the way for standardized noninvasive imaging of coronary arteries by using newer, more powerful CT scanners. Currently, angiograms are considered the gold standard for detecting blockage of arteries in the heart. However, angiograms (also called cardiac catheterization) are invasive procedures with many risks. CT scans, on the other hand, carry less risks and are noninvasive. Researchers have found that 3D scans produced by CT scanners can accurately pinpoint the size and location of blockages, but not nearly as well as a traditional angiograms. Additional studies will be needed to clarify exactly how this technology can be best used in the detection of coronary heart disease.
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Tags: angiogram, artery, coronary, ct, heart, hopkins, scanner
Dr. Steven Chang, the author of DailyDose, is a staff physician with Kosmix RightHealth. Dr. Chang practices Family Medicine at the University of California Davis Medical Center, where his medical interests include both pediatric and geriatric care, public health, gay and lesbian health, and sleep medicine. Dr. Chang trained at the Stanford University affiliated O'Connor Hospital, and was a research fellow at the National Institute of Health. He holds an M.D. from McGill University and a BA in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University.
December 1st, 2008 at 5:30 am
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