Learning objectives

After watching this webinar, participants will be aware of the: 

• strengths and limitations of computed tomography coronary angiography (CCTA) in assessing coronary artery disease;
• pros and cons of a CCTA-first approach;
• clinical studies and research that support the accuracy and diagnostic sensitivity of CTCA in identifying coronary artery disease; and
• importance of a multimodality approach for optimal care of patients with chest pain.

Needs assessment and expected educational outcome 

To guide clinicians through the complex decision-making about the best diagnostic choices to assess coronary artery disease. 

Context – The field of cardiovascular imaging has witnessed remarkable progress in both anatomical and functional imaging modalities for coronary artery disease (CAD). Anatomical imaging by CTCA has gained prominence for its ability to visualise coronary anatomy with remarkable precision. Additionally, functional imaging techniques like stress echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance, and nuclear imaging are emerging as preferred choices to assess myocardial ischaemia.

So a crucial question confronts clinicians and healthcare funders: ‘Which test to opt for?’ Should clinicians embrace a standardised anatomical strategy or lean towards an individualised approach? The anatomical approach, emphasizing CTCA, garners support from guidelines such as those of the UK’s National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE). On the other hand, personalised medicine tailors management strategies according to individual patient characteristics: this approach has been endorsed in recent clinical guidelines from the ESC and from North America. Navigating this array of diagnostic choices requires a comprehensive understanding of each approach's strengths, limitations, and suitability for different patient profiles as delineated in a recently published article in the EACVI’s European Heart Journal (Berry C. et al. Eur Heart J. 2023 July 7;44(26):2366-2375).  

Main topic

• IMAGING

Related topics

• Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography 

Technical settings

The webinar is available on PC and tablets. The use of a smartphone is not recommended.

To answer the MCQs during the live, you must allow pop-up windows.

A high-speed Internet connection is required (minimum 2 Mbps).