Role of cardiac computed tomography in the evaluation of coronary artery stenosis in patients with ascending aorta aneurysm detected at transthoracic echocardiography

Objective: The aim of our study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of cardiac computed tomography (CCT) in the evaluation of coronary artery stenosis in patients with ascending aorta aneurysm detected at transthoracic echocardiography. Methods:We conducted a retrospective analysis of patientswith an aneurysm 45 mm or greater at transthoracic echocardiography who underwent CCT from2012 to 2014 in our hospital.We calculated the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of CCT for the assessment of coronary artery stenosis (<50% or ≥50% stenosis) in patients who underwent conventional coronary angiography. Results: We included 104 patients (73 men, aged 64 [SD, 10.8]years) in our study. Obstructive coronary artery disease was found in 22.1% of patients. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of CCT for detecting significant stenoses were 100%, 98%, and 82% and 100% on a segment-by-segment analysis and 100%, 83%, and 65% and 100% on a per-patient analysis, respectively. Conclusions: Cardiac computed tomography provides a comprehensive evaluation of ascending aorta aneurysms and coronary artery tree.

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