Emerging role of computed tomography angiography in the evaluation of coronary atherosclerosis

Over the past decade, coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) has broadened the diagnostic ability of physicians by providing a means to non-invasively image coronary atherosclerosis. It provides a robust and accurate method to assess atherosclerotic plaque burden, distribution, morphology and associated luminal stenosis. Importantly this method has provided the potential of revealing preclinical stages of the atherosclerotic disease which may have important value to improve risk stratification and to monitor the progressive course of the disease. In addition to its established role in plaque assessment, the use of CCTA is being rapidly extended to assess the haemodynamic significance of atherosclerotic plaque, associated myocardial ischaemia and to predict clinical outcomes.