Triple rule-out cardiac computed tomography: is it finally a reality?

Minerva Cardioangiol. 2017 Jun;65(3):225-234. doi: 10.23736/S0026-4725.16.04272-9. Epub 2016 Dec 13.

Abstract

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS), pulmonary embolism and acute aortic syndrome are the most common causes of life threatening chest pain. The triple rule-out CT (TRO CT) has emerged as a technology that can simultaneously visualize the coronary arteries, aorta and pulmonary arteries as well as other intrathoracic structures. It has been proposed as a one-stop imaging modality in patients who present to the emergency department with low to intermediate risk of ACS in whom pulmonary embolism and/or acute aortic syndrome are also considered. This review focuses on the TRO CT imaging technique, image quality, radiation dose, diagnostic accuracy, yield, efficiency and cost through a series of frequently asked questions.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acute Coronary Syndrome / diagnostic imaging*
  • Acute Disease
  • Aorta / diagnostic imaging
  • Aortic Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Chest Pain / etiology
  • Coronary Vessels / diagnostic imaging
  • Emergency Service, Hospital
  • Humans
  • Pulmonary Artery / diagnostic imaging
  • Pulmonary Embolism / diagnostic imaging*
  • Syndrome
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*