Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Europe, causing far more deaths as cancer. Cardiac computed tomography (CT) has evolved into a powerful non-invasive diagnostic tool with excellent sensitivity for the detection of coronary artery disease and plaque characterisation. Numerous technological advances in CT have occurred, including dual-energy CT, permitting a substantial reduction of x-ray exposure. These advances broadened the field of application beyond the original evaluation of coronary stenosis. Novel CT devices permit an exact anatomical evaluation of the great vessels or aortic valves prior to interventional repair, therefore, improve patients’ safety and outcome.
Recently myocardial perfusion imaging enriched the cardiologist's armamentarium to assess myocardial function with dual-energy CT.
