We welcome
Our first batch of DNB Radiology students in Meenakshi hospital, TanjoreSee Beyond the Lumen, Assess the Risk, Prevent the Event
What is CTCA?
CT Coronary Angiography (CTCA) is a non-invasive imaging technique that visualizes coronary artery lumen and plaque, detects atherosclerosis and assesses stenosis using CT with iodinated contrast.
AI – Powered Plaque Characterisation
Increasing Risk of Adverse Cardiac Events
AI in CTCA – Added Value
AI-powered automated detection of coronary plaques
Precise plaque segmentation & classification
Quantitative analysis of plaque burden, volume & composition
Improved diagnostic accuracy, reproducibility & workflow efficiency
Standardized reporting & risk stratification
Advantages of CTCA
Non-Invasive
- No catheterization, no arterial puncture
Early Detection
- Identifies subclinical atherosclerosis before symptoms or events
Risk Stratification
- Plaque characterization helps identify high risk plaques prone to rupture
Guides Management
- Helps in decision making – medical therapy vs further testing
Quick & Accurate
- Fast acquisition, high negative predictive value for ruling out CAD
Improved Technology
- Lower radiation dose, high spatial & temporal resolution
Recent Advances in CTCA (AI Era)
AI-BASED ANALYTICS
- Automated plaque detection, severity grading & risk prediction models.
PHOTON COUNTING CT
- Higher resolution, better contrast & lower radiation dose.
FASTER SCANS
- Wide detector CT with improved temporal resolution
FASTER SCANS
- Automated analysis, standardized reporting & decision support.
Role of CTCA in High Risk Young Patients
Why Focus on High Risk Young Patients?
- Early detection of subclinical atherosclerosis in young individuals with risk factors can lead to timely intervention and prevention of future cardiac events.
Who are High Risk Young Patients?
- Strong family history of premature CAD
- Dyslipidemia / elevated Lp(a)
- Diabetes / Insulin resistance
- Hypertension
- Obesity / Metabolic syndrome
- Smoking
- Chronic inflammatory conditions
- Stress, sedentary lifestyle
CTCA can Detect
- Non-obstructive plaques
- High risk plaque features
- Early atherosclerosis
- Anomalous coronary arteries
Detect Early • Risk Stratify Better • Prevent Future Events
Case Example – Young High Risk Patient (Age 35)
- Male, 35 years, strong family history of CAD, dyslipidemia, occasional chest discomfort.
CTCA Findings
LAD – Mixed plaque with low attenuation part (red)
- Non-obstructive mixed plaque in LAD
- Low attenuation plaque (LAP) – high risk
- Total plaque burden – 32%
- No significant stenosis
Management Impact
- Intensified medical therapy
- Lifestyle modification
- Regular follow-up
- Events prevented
CTCA Workflow
From Detection to Prevention – CTCA changes the course of CAD
Key Takeaways
- CTCA is the gatekeeper for non-invasive coronary evaluation
- AI enhances accuracy, efficiency and risk prediction
- Plaque characterization provides deeper insight than stenosis alone
- In high risk young patients, CTCA enables early diagnosis and prevents future cardiac events
- Advances in technology are making CTCA faster, safer and more powerful than ever
CTCA – The Future of Cardiac Imaging
Detect early
Assess precisely
Treat proactively
Save lives