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Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
Over 3.5 million cardiac catheterisations are performed in Europe each year. A study jointly conducted by radiologists and cardiologists at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin and published in today’s issue of The BMJ compares computed tomography (CT) with cardiac catheterisation in patients with atypical chest pain and suspected coronary artery disease (CAD).
Over 3.5 million cardiac catheterisations are performed in Europe each year. A study jointly conducted by radiologists and cardiologists at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin and published in today’s issue of The BMJ compares computed tomography (CT) with cardiac catheterisation in patients with atypical chest pain and suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). We talked about the study results with Professor Marc Dewey, the principal investigator of the study.
What does the BMJ study show?
CT reduced the need for cardiac catheterisation from 100% to 14% in the group of patients who received CT first instead of catheterisation. If catheterisation was needed in the CT group, the proportion of catheterisations showing obstructive CAD was 5 times higher than in the catheterisation group. Over a period of 3.3 years, the patients in the CT group neither had more cardiac catheterisations nor an increase in cardiovascular events. Moreover, CT shortened the length of stay by 23 hours and 79% of patients said they would prefer CT for future examinations of the heart. Overall, the results of the BMJ study show that CT is a gentle test for reliably ruling out CAD in patients with atypical chest pain who are currently being referred for cardiac catheterisation in routine clinical practice.
What do the results mean for future patient care?
Along with the results of other randomised studies, the BMJ study provides ample evidence for the benefit of cardiac CT examinations. I therefore think that it is now time to enter into serious discussions to make CT a diagnostic test to be reimbursed by health insurance. There is also an urgent need for further research funding from European governments and the European Commission to investigate implications for healthcare costs and the role cardiac CT could play in novel preventive strategies.
Where can patients get more information about the study?
For further information, patients can contact herzschmerzen@charite.de or call +49 30 450 627264.
3D CT scan showing normal coronary arteries
Prof. Marc Dewey
None
Link to BMJ study and 2-min video summary: http://www.bmj.com/content/355/bmj.i5441
Criteria of this press release:
Journalists
Medicine
transregional, national
Research projects, Research results
English
3D CT scan showing normal coronary arteries
Prof. Marc Dewey
None
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