Early Intervention for Coronary Artery Disease and the Role of Photon-Counting CT
Photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT) is a foundational cornerstone that can facilitate detection, targeting and reversal of coronary artery disease.
The earliest phases of coronary artery disease (CAD) can be:
• detected
• characterized
• targeted
• stopped from progressing
• reversed
Even 10 years ago, this would be difficult to think and foresee. Now it is a practical reality, not only as a research tool, but as a clinically accessible method.
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) can be tackled early, treated and prevented from causing harm and complications. This is a concept that is possible to enforce because of three main reasons.
1. We have the technology. It is photon counting computed tomography (PCCT) that illuminates the earliest stages of the disease.
2. We have the pharmacological tools to stop it. Today, we can rely on several different classes of drugs that are able to act on the very underlying process of ASCVD.
3. We have (most importantly) the knowledge with a much better understanding of the atherosclerotic process. We also accept the paradigm shift that to approach ASCVD at scale, we must work early and not at the stage of ischemia and/or symptoms.
Dr. Cademartiri is the director of advanced cardiovascular imaging and photon-counting CT at the Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization, and Healthcare Synlab Diagnostic Network in Naples, Italy. He is also a consultant in advanced cardiovascular imaging at CDI/Centro Diagnostico Italiano in Milan, Italy.
(Editor’s note: This blog is adapted with permission from Dr. Cademartiri’s original LinkedIn post at:
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