Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is a type of heart disease prediction using artificial intelligence that can detect early warning signs of a heart attack by analyzing images to determine whether plaque levels are safe or dangerous.
Does anybody have any experience with this test?
Never heard that particular terminology, but if it’s a CT scan, then it sure sounds like a “CAC” score test … which is based on a CT scan of the arteries into the heart. Same thing, different label?
Perhaps the AI component is a twist, but I wonder how much judgment is involved when the CT scan imaging staff “read” the results. It’s the sort of thing that I could readily imagine being handled by an AI function, since it’s merely measuring the white contrast (calcified plaque) against the other darker tissue and determining volume and mass.
Perhaps someone else more knowledgeable about the “CCTA” term can correct or clarify further.
My mothers had a couple after strokes. they’re what are basically replacing stress tests. Also called a CT Heart Scan. They CT you with contrast and it see the blood flow and gives you a basically video of your heart doing it’s thing that they can scroll around and see from different angles while it’s running through everything.
That said, I’m sure it’s a good test as a whole, but she’s squeaky clean and also on her 4th stroke at this point so…
Same thing, but rather than looking at it live and taking a pic which is your result, they run contrast through you while doing it and record it as a 3d video so they can see where everything is going.
Sounds cool. I wonder if the radiation level is markedly higher to achieve such 3D video? That’s certainly the case with 3D imaging (vs static maxillofacial pan-imaging in dentistry), which is used sparingly as a result.
I had a CCTA a few months ago. I posted a copy of the results. Separate from a CCTA there are a few places that run the additional software of a Cleerly scan. If you can, get that add on as well.
Ischemic, only on the last one they actually found one though scary enough. Behind her eye, the others they couldn’t find anything, so the normal, slam her with blood thinners and statins. Sadly, twice now she’s taken herself off the statins, starts feeling better, and then another stroke. Pretty sad for being in a city with some of the “best” hospitals in the country!
That does suck. It’s interesting that she’s getting them in the brain but no indications elsewhere.