Key result
CTCA lacks sufficient evidence to support formal screening for CAD.
Why the study?
There are currently no formal screening programmes for coronary artery disease, and the potential of CTCA as a non-invasive screening tool requires evaluation.
Does computed tomographic coronary angiography meet WHO criteria for use in a formal screening programme for coronary artery disease?
Does computed tomographic coronary angiography meet WHO criteria for use in a formal screening programme for coronary artery disease?
Current evidence does not support the routine use of CTCA for formal CAD screening programs based on WHO criteria.
Does not support CTCA for formal CAD screening; leaves open whether future trials can meet WHO criteria.
Currently, there are no formal screening programmes for coronary artery disease (CAD). Computed tomographic coronary angiography (CTCA) has been suggested as a non-invasive and reliable method of atherosclerotic plaque assessment, with the potential for use in screening programmes. In this article, we briefly present the current understanding of atherosclerotic plaque formation, explain key technological aspects of CTCA and critique this method in the light of World Health Organisation (WHO) criteria for devising a screening programme. Current evolving and future insights are also considered. Overall, in our view, there is currently insufficient evidence to support the formal use of CTCA in a screening programme for CAD, although this viewpoint will undoubtedly evolve.
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Melgies et al. (2013) conducted a review in Coronary artery disease. Computed tomographic coronary angiography (CTCA) was evaluated. There is currently insufficient evidence to support the formal use of computed tomographic coronary angiography in a screening programme for coronary artery disease.
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