Why do cardiologists prescribe MSCT? A doctor explains

Multispiral computed tomography (MSCT) is a modern diagnostic method that has revolutionized cardiology and vascular surgery. This non-invasive method allows obtaining high-precision images of the heart, coronary and peripheral arteries without the need for surgical intervention.

MSCT of the heart enables doctors to visualize the anatomy of the heart, assess its functional state and identify pathological changes. Of particular value is MSCT coronary angiography – a study that allows assessing the condition of the coronary arteries that feed the heart muscle.

The advantages of MSCT in cardiology are obvious. Firstly, it is a painless procedure that takes only 20-40 minutes. Secondly, it allows identifying atherosclerotic plaques, stenosis and other pathologies of the coronary vessels at early stages, when there are no clinical manifestations yet. Thirdly, MSCT helps to evaluate the results of the effectiveness of surgical interventions and other types of treatment.

Diagnosis of pulmonary artery pathologies using MSCT is of particular value. The method allows to detect pulmonary embolism (PE) – a dangerous condition characterized by blockage of pulmonary artery branches by thrombi. MSCT angiopulmonography is the gold standard for PE diagnostics, allowing to determine with high accuracy the localization and volume of vascular bed damage. In addition, MSCT is effective in diagnosing pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary vascular malformations, pulmonary artery aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations.

Additional capabilities of MSCT in the diagnosis of cardiovascular pathologies include:

1) Assessment of the condition of the aorta and its branches – identification of aneurysms, dissections, coarctation (narrowing), atherosclerotic changes along the entire aorta.

2) Diagnosis of pericardial diseases (pericarditis, pericardial effusion, pericardial calcification, tumors).

3) Detection of thrombosis of the heart cavities and large vessels, which is especially important in atrial fibrillation and other rhythm disorders.

4) Assessment of the condition of the heart valve apparatus (calcifications, vegetations, myxomas).

5) Diagnosis of cardiomyopathy.

6) Determination of the volume and localization of post-infarction changes in the myocardium, including aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms of the left ventricle.

7) Assessment of functional parameters of the heart.

8) Detection of pathological messages in heart defects – defects of the interatrial and interventricular septum, patent ductus arteriosus.

9) Diagnosis of cardiac tumors and paracardiac formations.

10) Assessment of the condition after cardiac surgery – coronary artery bypass grafting, valve replacement, implantation of stent grafts in the aorta.

Indications for performing MSCT of the heart are:

• chest pain,
• suspected coronary heart disease ,
• congenital and acquired heart defects,
• assessment of the condition after heart and vascular surgery,
• screening in patients at high risk of cardiovascular disease,
• additional assessment of the state of the cardiovascular system.

Preparation for the examination is simple. It is necessary to refrain from eating for 4-6 hours before the procedure. It is important to inform the doctor about any allergy to iodine-containing drugs, since a contrast agent may be used during the examination.

MSCT of the heart is an effective tool in modern cardiology, allowing for timely detection of cardiovascular diseases and the prescription of adequate treatment, which ultimately helps reduce mortality from cardiovascular diseases and improve the quality of life of patients.