New approaches for assessing coronary changes in multi-layer spiral computed tomography

The article presents an overview of qualitative and quantitative methods for coronary calcification assessment by computed tomography (CT). Coronary calcium is one of the well-known predictors of coronary artery disease and its complications. Coronary artery calcification is a common significant finding on routine and low-dose CT. In the review, the Coronary Artery Calcium Data and Reporting System (CAC-DRS) and the Coronary Artery Disease Reporting and Data System (CAD-RADS) are analyzed. Recommendations are given for the further management of patients with stable or acute chest pain in accordance with the CAD-RADS classification. The main aim of CAD-RADS is the standardization of accounting for coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) results for facilitating the interpretation by clinicians and subsequent management of patients. Such an approach should lead to an increase of healthcare quality.