Coronary stent imaging with multidetector row computed tomography.

Multidetector row Computed Tomography (MDCT) is developing rapidly as a potential non-invasive imaging method for the direct visualization of coronary arteries in patients presenting with suspected coronary artery disease. Recent technical improvements have led to improved spatial and temporal resolution and may even allow evaluation of coronary stents, which has remained difficult due to the small diameter and radio-opaque material. We describe two cases, a 65- and a 72-year old patient. Both patients had previously undergone percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty in combination with stent placement and were re-admitted to our hospital with recurrent angina. MDCT was performed prior to or after coronary angiography in order to assess stent patency non-invasively.