[Current and future roles of multi-slice spiral computed tomography in noninvasive imaging of coronary arteries].

The emergence of multi-slice spiral computed tomography (MSCT) has a significant influence on cardiovascular imaging. As a noninvasive technique, MSCT is considered suitable for the evaluation of coronary artery stenosis, quantitative and qualitative assessment of plaque, analysis of cardiac function and myocardial perfusion imaging, and determination of the patency of stents or bypass grafts. Recent studies has shown that noninvasive coronary artery imaging with MSCT is a feasible screening test for suspected coronary artery diseases and a valuable follow-up tool for patients who have undergone interventional or surgical therapeutic procedures.