Coronary artery imaging using MDCT and MRA

The potential benefits provided by new imaging tech-nologies for the diagnostic evaluation of CAD are quantified by considering the expense, time, and associated risk of pos-sible complications of traditional invasive angiography. Two techniques currently being used in clinical practice are mag-netic resonance angiography (MRA) and computed tomogra-phy angiography (CTA). MRA and CTA are particularly dis-advantaged in comparison to tradition angiography because of their poorer temporal and spatial resolutions. They each posses their own strengths and weaknesses and as the tech-nologies continue to develop the diagnostic accuracy and the clinical value of these tools are further studied. The end goal is to have a fast, non-invasive technique to efficiently screen and diagnose patients with symptoms of CAD.