Diagnostic Performance of 64- versus 256-Slice Computed Tomography Coronary Angiography Compared with Conventional Coronary Angiography in Patients with Suspected Coronary Artery Disease

Purpose: The newer 256-slice computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) has the capability of improving diagnostic performance in the detection of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) compared to 64-slice CTCA. The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic performance of 64- versus 256-slice CTCA in two similar populations. Methods: Our study included 120 consecutive patients who were referred for CTCA and subsequently underwent conventional coronary angiography (CCA). Sixty patients were studied by 64-slice CTCA, with the other 60 by 256-slice CTCA. We compared the technical characteristics and diagnostic performance of 64- and 256-slice CTCA for the detection of 50% stenosis of the coronary arteries on CCA. Results: The 256-slice CTCA had a shorter scanning time (4.4 0.6 sec vs. 5.0 ± 0.7 sec, p ＜ 0.001) compared to 64-slice CTCA. The diagnostic accuracy rates of 256-slice CTCA based on patient analysis (97% vs. 83%, p ＜ 0.05), vessel analysis (95% vs. 85%, p ＜ 0.05), and segment analysi