Diagnostic utility of Gadolinium enhanced Coronary CT Angiography compared to Conventional Invasive Coronary Angiography in detection of obstructive Coronary Artery Disease

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Background: The current gold standard for assessment of coronary artery disease, Invasive Coronary Angiography (ICA), has inherent risks of an invasive procedure including that of death. In addition use of Iodinated contrasts in ICA and Coronary CT Angiography is often contraindicated due to its renal toxicity and hypersensitivity reactions. Gadolinium, though primarily an MRI contrast, has been shown to produce vascular luminal enhancement making it an attractive alternative contrast agent for use in angiography.Objectives: To assess the possibility of use of Gd-enhanced 64-slice cardiac CT (CCT) for the diagnosis of obstructive coronary artery disease in comparison to invasive coronary angiography.Methods: A total of 25 patients of CAD underwent Gadolinium Enhanced Coronary CT Angiography followed by Invasive Coronary Angiography. The data was analyzed by comparing coronary segments with ≥ 50% stenosis detected by ICA versus detection of the same by Gd-Enhanced CTA, as well as comparison on Per-Vessel basis.Results: Mean age of patients in our study was 53.52 years (range 41-70 years). The total number of coronary segments evaluated by invasive coronary angiography was 379 of which 57 showed ≥ 50% stenosis. Gd-Enhanced CTA detected 47 of these lesions. In comparison to ICA, on Per-segment basis, Gd- Enhanced CTA showed Sensitivity of 82.46%, Specificity of 97.50%, PPV of 85.45% and NPV of 96.95%. Weighted Kappa value was 1, suggestive of strong agreement between the two modalities, excluding agreement by chance.Conclusions: Our study shows Gadolinium Enhanced Coronary CT Angiography is safer alternative for assessment of CAD in patients who have a contraindication for ICA or Iodinated Contrasts with acceptable sensitivity and specificity. Results depend on BMI and coronary calcification.