Computed Tomography for the measurement of coronary calcification in asymptomatic risk patients

HTA report

The aim of this HTA report is to investigate the diagnostic validity and cost effectiveness of computed tomography techniques in measuring coronary calcification of asymptomatic risk patients. Ethical aspects are discussed.

A systematic literature research was performed in 35 international databases which yielded 1,080 articles. Overall 43 publications were included for assessment, according to predefined selection criteria.

In conclusion measuring coronary calcification is a promising tool for improving risk stratification with established risk models. Nevertheless many questions remain concerning the targeted use in medical practice, particularly regarding European populations. Therefore also no final conclusions can be drawn with respect to cost-effectiveness. The evaluation of diagnostic procedures measuring other parameters than coronary calcium with regard to CHD risk stratification, compared to EBCT or MDCT, is not part of this report.

The report may be obtained for free at www.dimdi.de (abstract and summary in English).

ISSN: 1861-8863