Cardiac CT: Coronary, Valves, and Function
摘要
Cardiac computed tomography (CT) has become an essential tool in routine clinical practice. This chapter reviews the present role of cardiac CT in key applications, including diagnosing coronary artery disease (CAD) and evaluating heart valve function, heart valve thrombosis, and infection as well as assessment of cardiac function and morphology. This chapter also highlights the role of cardiac CT for pre-procedural planning for structural heart procedures. Key takeaways include the recommendation of coronary CTA as a first-line diagnostic tool for stable CAD, the importance of CT in pre-procedural planning for TAVI, and the modality’s effectiveness in evaluating heart valve morphology and function. The chapter also underscores CT’s role in diagnosing infective endocarditis and its complementary use in assessing prosthetic heart valve dysfunction. This chapter affirms cardiac CT’s expanding role in cardiovascular care, driven by technological advancements and its ability to provide detailed anatomical and functional insights critical for both diagnosis and treatment planning.