CT Coronary Angiography: Technical Approach and Atherosclerotic Plaque Characterization
Serena Dell’Aversana, Raffaele Ascione, Raffaella Vitale, Fabrizia Cavaliere, Piercarmine Porcaro, Luigi Basile, Giovanni Napolitano, Marco Boccalatte, Gerolamo Sibilio, Giovanni Esposito, Anna Franzone, Giuseppe Costanzo, Giuseppe Muscogiuri, Sandro Sironi, Renato Cuocolo, Enrico Cavaglià, Andrea Ponsiglione, Massimo Imbriaco
Abstract
Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) currently represents a robust imaging technique for the detection, quantification and characterization of coronary atherosclerosis. However, CCTA remains a challenging task requiring both high spatial and temporal resolution to provide motion-free images of the coronary arteries. Several CCTA features, such as low attenuation, positive remodeling, spotty calcification, napkin-ring and high pericoronary fat attenuation index have been proved as associated to high-risk plaques. This review aims to explore the role of CCTA in the characterization of high-risk atherosclerotic plaque and the recent advancements in CCTA technologies with a focus on radiomics plaque analysis.