The Effectiveness of Non-ECG-Gated Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography for the Diagnosis of Non-ST Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome
Abstract
Non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) can be difficult to diagnose accurately, especially in the hyper-acute phase. Non-ECG-gated contrast-enhanced computed tomography (non-ECG-gated CE-CT) has been used in many institutions for screening acute chest pain. Although early defects (EDs) observed in non-ECG-gated CE-CT have been reported as a sign of acute myocardial ischemia, the precise diagnostic value of this sign for acute coronary syndrome has not been fully elucidated. We investigated the usefulness of non-ECG-gated CE-CT for the diagnosis of NSTE-ACS. We retrospectively reviewed 556 patients who were hospitalized for acute-onset chest pain and who underwent emergent coronary angiography. Non-ECG-gated CE-CT was performed in 23 of these patients. Two readers independently analyzed CT images using a 5-point scale. Of the 23 patients, 13 were diagnosed with NSTE-ACS. The remaining 10 patients were diagnosed with other conditions. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value, respectively, of EDs on non-ECG-gated CE-CT to detect NSTE-ACS were 84.6%, 90%, 91.7%, and 81.8%. The identification of EDs was consistent between the two readers. Non-ECG-gated CE-CT may be useful not only to triage patients with chest pain by ruling out other conditions, but also to accurately diagnose NSTE-ACS.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cohort study, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 556 participants or records.
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