CTCA
Also written as: CTCA — CT Coronary Angiography
CT coronary angiography; non-invasive imaging technique using contrast-enhanced CT to visualize coronary arteries.
Full Definition
CT coronary angiography (CTCA), also known as coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA), is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses contrast-enhanced computed tomography to visualize the coronary arteries and detect stenosis. CTCA requires intravenous contrast administration and often beta-blockers or nitroglycerin to optimize image quality. The technique has high negative predictive value for excluding coronary artery disease and is increasingly used for low-to-intermediate risk patients with chest pain. CTCA can detect both calcified and non-calcified plaques and provides information about vessel wall characteristics and plaque morphology.
Usage
Usage note: CCTA is the more common abbreviation in current literature.
In Context
- "CTCA revealed mild non-obstructive plaque in the proximal LAD with no hemodynamically significant stenosis." — Cardiology consultation note
- "Current guidelines support CTCA as a first-line test for stable chest pain in appropriate patients." — Clinical pathway document