Multislice computerized tomography of the heart and coronary arteries

Due to its excellent spatial and temporal resolution, multislice computerized tomography (M.S.C.T.) allows visualizing the heart and coronary arteries. Although the indications of M.S.C.T. did not reach a consensus level yet, some trends can be stated. The advantages and limitations of M.S.C.T. in cardiac exploration are summarized in this article. The indications are mainly based on the excellent negative predictive value of M.S.C.T. regarding coronary artery disease. Hence, patients at low to moderate risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) mostly benefit of the technique. M.S.C.T. can be an alternate examination in case of non feasible or non contributive stress test. M.S.C.T. is highly contributive in the ostial analysis, in detecting abnormal coronary implantation or course, in assessing a reimplanted artery or in analysing bypass grafts. M.S.C.T. remains limited in patients with heavily calcified coronary arteries, and in patients with stented distal arteries. (authors)