The role of coronary CT angiography (CTA) for patients presenting with acute chest pain. Defining problem-specific, evidence-based indications of a novel imaging modality.

In the current issue, Stillman et al. (Int J Cardiovasc Imaging, 2007) discuss the role of coronary CTA in patients presenting with acute chest pain. The authors conclude, that CTA will provide novel information on the presence and significance of CAD in patients presenting with acute chest pain. Based on the lack of evidence-based data, specific recommendations for its appropriate use are incomplete. Most experts agree, that there is the need for large clinical trials to determine the accuracy and precision of MDCT for triage of patients with acute chest pain.