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Pattereth N, Chaliyadan S, Mathew R, Kumar S, Das CJ, Aggarwal P, Jamshed N. The Role of Triple Rule-out CT in an Indian Emergency Setting. Indian J Crit Care Med 2023; 27:190-194. [PMID: 36960114 PMCID: PMC10028717 DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10071-24423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Emergency physicians are acutely aware of the consequences of missing fatal diagnoses for acute non-traumatic chest pain and subjecting patients to over-testing. In the large arsenal of tests that are available to us, a triple rule-out computed tomography (TRO-CT) Angiography is often less pursued, due to concerns about their efficacy and safety or because of nescience. We aim to find the yield of the test in an Indian emergency setting and impart some knowledge about it along the way. Materials and methods Twenty-six patients who presented to the emergency department of our institute with acute chest pain, with non-specific electrocardiogram (ECG) findings and negative serial troponin I, underwent TRO-CT. HEART scores of all patients, calculated at their presentation, were correlated with TRO-CT findings. Results Triple rule-out computed tomography angiography was positive in 5 patients (20%), of which 4 cases (16%) were diagnosed to have significant coronary artery disease and one had an acute pulmonary embolism. All 4 patients who had significant coronary artery disease (CAD) diagnosed by TRO-CT had a HEART score of intermediate risk. The mean effective radiation dose of the entire TRO study was 19.024 ± 3.319 mSv (range = 13.89-25.95 mSv). Conclusion Triple rule-out CT angiography is a useful tool in the evaluation of patients presenting with acute chest pain in the emergency and can be an important adjunct in ruling out significant CAD in intermediate-risk patients. Emergency physicians and young residents need to know about this tool in their armamentarium to tackle doubtful cases. How to cite this article Pattereth N, Chaliyadan S, Mathew R, Kumar S, Das CJ, Aggarwal P. et al. The Role of Triple Rule-out CT in an Indian Emergency Setting. Indian J Crit Care Med 2023;27(3):190-194.
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Affiliation(s)
- Navaneeth Pattereth
- Department of Emergency Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Shafneed Chaliyadan
- Department of Surgery, Jan Swasthya Sahyog, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, India
- Shafneed Chaliyadan, Department of Surgery, Jan Swasthya Sahyog, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, India, Phone: +91 9560819324, e-mail:
| | - Roshan Mathew
- Department of Emergency Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Sanjeev Kumar
- Department of Cardio-radiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Chandan J Das
- Department of Radiodiagnosis, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Praveen Aggarwal
- Department of Emergency Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Nayer Jamshed
- Department of Emergency Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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Nicolau JC, Feitosa Filho GS, Petriz JL, Furtado RHDM, Précoma DB, Lemke W, Lopes RD, Timerman A, Marin Neto JA, Bezerra Neto L, Gomes BFDO, Santos ECL, Piegas LS, Soeiro ADM, Negri AJDA, Franci A, Markman Filho B, Baccaro BM, Montenegro CEL, Rochitte CE, Barbosa CJDG, Virgens CMBD, Stefanini E, Manenti ERF, Lima FG, Monteiro Júnior FDC, Correa Filho H, Pena HPM, Pinto IMF, Falcão JLDAA, Sena JP, Peixoto JM, Souza JAD, Silva LSD, Maia LN, Ohe LN, Baracioli LM, Dallan LADO, Dallan LAP, Mattos LAPE, Bodanese LC, Ritt LEF, Canesin MF, Rivas MBDS, Franken M, Magalhães MJG, Oliveira Júnior MTD, Filgueiras Filho NM, Dutra OP, Coelho OR, Leães PE, Rossi PRF, Soares PR, Lemos Neto PA, Farsky PS, Cavalcanti RRC, Alves RJ, Kalil RAK, Esporcatte R, Marino RL, Giraldez RRCV, Meneghelo RS, Lima RDSL, Ramos RF, Falcão SNDRS, Dalçóquio TF, Lemke VDMG, Chalela WA, Mathias Júnior W. Brazilian Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Unstable Angina and Acute Myocardial Infarction without ST-Segment Elevation - 2021. Arq Bras Cardiol 2021; 117:181-264. [PMID: 34320090 PMCID: PMC8294740 DOI: 10.36660/abc.20210180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- José Carlos Nicolau
- Instituto do Coração (InCor), Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMUSP), São Paulo, SP - Brasil
| | - Gilson Soares Feitosa Filho
- Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública, Salvador, BA - Brasil
- Centro Universitário de Tecnologia e Ciência (UniFTC), Salvador, BA - Brasil
| | - João Luiz Petriz
- Hospital Barra D'Or, Rede D'Or São Luiz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ - Brasil
| | | | | | - Walmor Lemke
- Clínica Cardiocare, Curitiba, PR - Brasil
- Hospital das Nações, Curitiba, PR - Brasil
| | | | - Ari Timerman
- Instituto Dante Pazzanese de Cardiologia, São Paulo, SP - Brasil
| | - José A Marin Neto
- Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP - Brasil
| | | | - Bruno Ferraz de Oliveira Gomes
- Hospital Barra D'Or, Rede D'Or São Luiz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ - Brasil
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ - Brasil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Carlos Eduardo Rochitte
- Hospital do Coração (HCor), São Paulo, SP - Brasil
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMUSP), São Paulo, SP - Brasil
| | | | | | - Edson Stefanini
- Escola Paulista de Medicina da Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP - Brasil
| | | | - Felipe Gallego Lima
- Instituto do Coração (InCor), Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMUSP), São Paulo, SP - Brasil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - José Maria Peixoto
- Universidade José do Rosário Vellano (UNIFENAS), Belo Horizonte, MG - Brasil
| | - Juliana Ascenção de Souza
- Instituto do Coração (InCor), Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMUSP), São Paulo, SP - Brasil
| | | | - Lilia Nigro Maia
- Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), São José do Rio Preto, SP - Brasil
| | | | - Luciano Moreira Baracioli
- Instituto do Coração (InCor), Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMUSP), São Paulo, SP - Brasil
| | - Luís Alberto de Oliveira Dallan
- Instituto do Coração (InCor), Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMUSP), São Paulo, SP - Brasil
| | - Luis Augusto Palma Dallan
- Instituto do Coração (InCor), Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMUSP), São Paulo, SP - Brasil
| | | | - Luiz Carlos Bodanese
- Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUC-RS), Porto Alegre, RS - Brasil
| | | | | | - Marcelo Bueno da Silva Rivas
- Rede D'Or São Luiz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ - Brasil
- Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ - Brasil
| | | | | | - Múcio Tavares de Oliveira Júnior
- Instituto do Coração (InCor), Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMUSP), São Paulo, SP - Brasil
| | - Nivaldo Menezes Filgueiras Filho
- Universidade do Estado da Bahia (UNEB), Salvador, BA - Brasil
- Universidade Salvador (UNIFACS), Salvador, BA - Brasil
- Hospital EMEC, Salvador, BA - Brasil
| | - Oscar Pereira Dutra
- Instituto de Cardiologia - Fundação Universitária de Cardiologia do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS - Brasil
| | - Otávio Rizzi Coelho
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP - Brasil
| | | | | | - Paulo Rogério Soares
- Instituto do Coração (InCor), Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMUSP), São Paulo, SP - Brasil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Roberto Esporcatte
- Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ - Brasil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Talia Falcão Dalçóquio
- Instituto do Coração (InCor), Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMUSP), São Paulo, SP - Brasil
| | | | - William Azem Chalela
- Instituto do Coração (InCor), Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMUSP), São Paulo, SP - Brasil
| | - Wilson Mathias Júnior
- Instituto do Coração (InCor), Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMUSP), São Paulo, SP - Brasil
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In-Hospital Cost Comparison of Triple-Rule-Out Computed Tomography Angiography Versus Standard of Care in Patients With Acute Chest Pain. J Thorac Imaging 2020; 35:198-203. [PMID: 32032251 DOI: 10.1097/rti.0000000000000474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utilization of invasive and noninvasive tests and compare cost in patients presenting with chest pain to the emergency department (ED) who underwent either triple-rule-out computed tomography angiography (TRO-CTA) or standard of care. MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed a retrospective single-center analysis of 2156 ED patients who presented with acute chest pain with a negative initial troponin and electrocardiogram for myocardial injury. Patient cohorts matched by patient characteristics who had undergone TRO-CTA as a primary imaging test (n=1139) or standard of care without initial CTA imaging (n=1017) were included in the study. ED visits, utilization of tests, and costs during the initial episode of hospital care were compared. RESULTS No significant differences in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease, pulmonary embolism, or aortic dissection were observed. Median ED waiting time (4.5 vs. 7.0 h, P<0.001), median total length of hospital stay (5.0 vs. 32.0 h, P<0.001), hospital admission rate (12.6% vs. 54.2%, P<0.001), and ED return rate to our hospital within 30 days (3.5% vs. 14.6%, P<0.001) were significantly lower in the TRO-CTA group. Moreover, reduced rates of additional testing and invasive coronary angiography (4.9% vs. 22.7%, P<0.001), and ultimately lower total cost per patient (11,783$ vs. 19,073$, P<0.001) were observed in the TRO-CTA group. CONCLUSIONS TRO-CTA as an initial imaging test in ED patients presenting with acute chest pain was associated with shorter ED and hospital length of stay, fewer return visits within 30 days, and ultimately lower ED and hospitalization costs.
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Triple rule-out computed tomography for risk stratification of patients with acute chest pain. J Cardiovasc Comput Tomogr 2016; 10:291-300. [PMID: 27375202 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcct.2016.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2016] [Revised: 05/27/2016] [Accepted: 06/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Clinical evidence supporting triple rule-out computed tomography (TRO-CT) for rapid screening of cardiovascular disease is limited. We investigated the clinical value of TRO-CT in patients with acute chest pain. METHODS We retrospectively enrolled 1024 patients who visited the emergency department (ED) with acute chest pain and underwent TRO-CT using a 128-slice CT system. TRO-CT was classified as "positive" if it revealed clinically significant cardiovascular disease including obstructive coronary artery disease, pulmonary thromboembolism, or acute aortic syndrome. The clinical endpoint was occurrence of a major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) within 30 days, defined by a composite of all cause death, myocardial infarction, revascularization, major cardiovascular surgery, or thrombolytic therapy. Clinical risk scores for acute chest pain including TIMI, GRACE, Diamond-Forrester, and HEART were determined and compared to the TRO-CT findings. RESULTS TRO-CT revealed clinically significant cardiovascular disease in 239 patients (23.3%). MACE occurred in 119 patients (49.8%) with positive TRO-CT and in 7 patients (0.9%) with negative TRO-CT (p < 0.001). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of TRO-CT was 95%, 88%, 54%, and 99%, respectively. TRO-CT was a better discriminator between patients with vs. without events as compared to clinical risk scores (c-statistics = 0.91 versus 0.64 to 0.71; integrated discrimination improvement = 0.31 to 0.37; p < 0.001 for all comparisons). Patients with a negative TRO-CT showed shorter ED stay times and admission rates compared to patients with positive TRO-CT, irrespective of clinical risk scores (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). CONCLUSION Triple rule-out CT has high predictive performance for 30-day MACE and permits rapid triage and low admission rates irrespective of clinical risk scores.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of the present study is to quantify the diagnostic yield of triple-rule-out (TRO) CT for the evaluation of acute chest pain in emergency department patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS All TRO CT studies performed at our institution from 2006 to 2015 were reviewed. Scans were performed on a 256-MDCT scanner, with the use of ECG gating and a biphasic contrast injection. Radiology reports were reviewed to identify diagnoses that could explain chest pain, including coronary and noncoronary diagnoses, and significant incidental findings that did not account for the patient's presentation. The total numbers of coronary and noncoronary diagnoses and incidental findings were calculated. RESULTS Four of 1196 total cases that were identified were excluded from the study because of inadequate image quality. A total of 970 patients (81.4%) had a negative study result without a significant coronary or noncoronary diagnosis. A total of 139 patients (11.7%) had significant coronary artery disease (50% stenosis or greater). One hundred six patients (8.9%) had a noncoronary diagnosis that could explain chest pain (p < 0.02), most commonly pulmonary embolism (28 patients [2.3%]), aortic aneurysm (24 patients [2.0%]), or pneumonia (20 patients [1.7%]). Thirty cases (27.3%) of pulmonary embolism and aortic pathologic findings would not have been detected with coronary CT angiography because of unopacified right-side circulation or limited z-axis coverage. A total of 528 incidental findings not considered to explain chest pain were noted in 418 patients (35.1%). CONCLUSION In 8.9% of patients, TRO CT detected a significant noncoronary diagnosis that could explain acute chest pain, including pathologic findings that would not be identified on dedicated coronary CT angiography.
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Cardiac risk factors and risk scores vs cardiac computed tomography angiography: a prospective cohort study for triage of ED patients with acute chest pain. Am J Emerg Med 2013; 31:1479-85. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2013.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2013] [Revised: 07/22/2013] [Accepted: 08/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Ayaram D, Bellolio MF, Murad MH, Laack TA, Sadosty AT, Erwin PJ, Hollander JE, Montori VM, Stiell IG, Hess EP. Triple rule-out computed tomographic angiography for chest pain: a diagnostic systematic review and meta-analysis. Acad Emerg Med 2013; 20:861-71. [PMID: 24050793 DOI: 10.1111/acem.12210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2013] [Revised: 03/14/2013] [Accepted: 03/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective was to compare the image quality, diagnostic accuracy, radiation exposure, and contrast volume of "triple rule-out" (TRO) computed tomography (CT) to other diagnostic modalities commonly used to evaluate patients with nontraumatic chest pain (dedicated coronary, pulmonary embolism [PE], and aortic dissection CT; invasive coronary angiography; and nuclear stress testing). METHODS Four electronic databases were searched, along with reference lists and contacted content experts, for relevant studies from inception until October 2012. Eligible studies enrolled patients with nontraumatic chest pain, shortness of breath, suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS), PE, or aortic dissection; used at least 64-slice CT technology; and compared TRO CT to another diagnostic modality. RESULTS Eleven studies enrolling 3,539 patients (791 TRO and 2,748 non-TRO) were included (one randomized controlled trial and 10 observational). There was no significant difference in image quality between TRO and dedicated CT scans. TRO CT had the following pooled diagnostic accuracy estimates for coronary artery disease: sensitivity of 94.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 89.1% to 97.5%), specificity of 97.4% (95% CI = 96.1% to 98.4%), positive likelihood ratio (LR+) of 17.71 (95% CI = 3.92 to 79.96), and negative likelihood ratio (LR-) of 0.08 (95% CI = 0.02 to 0.27). There were insufficient numbers of patients with PE or aortic dissection to generate diagnostic accuracy estimates for these conditions. Use of TRO CT involved greater radiation exposure (mean difference [MD] = 4.84 mSv, 95% CI = 1.65 to 8.04 mSv) and contrast exposure (MD = 38.0 mL, 95% CI = 28.1 to 48.0 mL) compared to non-TRO CT patients. CONCLUSIONS Triple rule-out CT is highly accurate for detecting coronary artery disease. Given the low (<1%) prevalence of PE and aortic dissection in the included studies, and the increased radiation and contrast exposure, there are insufficient data to recommend use of TRO CT in the diagnosis of these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Ayaram
- Department of Emergency Medicine; Division of Emergency Medicine Research; Mayo Clinic; Rochester MN
| | - M. Fernanda Bellolio
- Department of Emergency Medicine; Division of Emergency Medicine Research; Mayo Clinic; Rochester MN
| | - M. Hassan Murad
- The Knowledge and Evaluation Research Unit; Mayo Clinic; Rochester MN
- The Department of Internal Medicine; Division of Preventive Medicine; Mayo Clinic; Rochester MN
| | - Torrey A. Laack
- Department of Emergency Medicine; Division of Emergency Medicine Research; Mayo Clinic; Rochester MN
| | - Annie T. Sadosty
- Department of Emergency Medicine; Division of Emergency Medicine Research; Mayo Clinic; Rochester MN
| | - Patricia J. Erwin
- The Mayo Medical Libraries; Mayo Clinic College of Medicine; Rochester MN
| | - Judd E. Hollander
- The Department of Emergency Medicine; Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia PA
| | - Victor M. Montori
- The Knowledge and Evaluation Research Unit; Mayo Clinic; Rochester MN
- The Department of Internal Medicine; Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism; Mayo Clinic; Rochester MN
| | - Ian G. Stiell
- The Department of Emergency Medicine and Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine; University of Ottawa; Ottawa Ontario Canada
| | - Erik P. Hess
- Department of Emergency Medicine; Division of Emergency Medicine Research; Mayo Clinic; Rochester MN
- The Knowledge and Evaluation Research Unit; Mayo Clinic; Rochester MN
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Fesmire FM, Buchheit RC, Cao Y, Severance HW, Jang Y, Heath GW. Risk stratification in chest pain patients undergoing nuclear stress testing: the Erlanger Stress Score. Crit Pathw Cardiol 2012; 11:171-176. [PMID: 23149358 DOI: 10.1097/hpc.0b013e31826f367f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies have individually reported the relationship of age, cardiac risk factors, and history of preexisting coronary artery disease (CAD) for predicting acute coronary syndromes in chest pain patients undergoing cardiac stress testing. In this study, we investigate the interplay of all these factors on the incidence of acute coronary syndromes to develop a tool that may assist physicians in the selection of appropriate chest pain patients for stress testing. METHODS Retrospective analysis of a prospectively acquired database of consecutive chest pain patients undergoing nuclear stress testing. Backward stepwise logistic regression was used to develop a model for predicting risk of 30-day acute coronary events (ACE) using information obtained from age, sex, cardiac risk factors, and history of preexisting CAD. RESULTS A total of 800 chest pain patients underwent nuclear stress testing. ACE occurred in 74 patients (9.3%). Logistic regression analysis found only 6 factors predictive of ACE: age, male sex, preexisting CAD, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. Area under the receiver operator characteristic curve of this model for predicting ACE was 0.767 (95% confidence interval, 0.719-0.815). There were no cases of ACE in the 173 patients with predicted probability estimates ≤2.5% (95% confidence interval, 0%-2.1%). CONCLUSIONS A regression model using age, sex, preexisting CAD, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia is predictive of 30-day ACE in chest pain patients undergoing nuclear stress testing. Prospective studies need to be performed to determine whether this model can assist physicians in the selection of appropriate low-to-intermediate risk chest pain patients for nuclear stress testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis M Fesmire
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Tennessee College of Medicine-Chattanooga, TN, USA.
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Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography: Costs and Current Reimbursement Status. CURRENT CARDIOVASCULAR IMAGING REPORTS 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s12410-012-9158-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Foster TA, Shapiro MD. The ‘Triple Rule Out’ CT Angiogram for Acute Chest Pain: Should it be Done, and If So, How? CURRENT CARDIOVASCULAR IMAGING REPORTS 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s12410-012-9152-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Kalia N, Budoff M. CTA in the evaluation of acute chest pain syndromes. Should more widespread use be advocated? EXPERT OPINION ON MEDICAL DIAGNOSTICS 2012; 6:275-280. [PMID: 23480739 DOI: 10.1517/17530059.2012.676041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION With the advent of CT more than 3 decades ago, we have seen rapid evolution of this technology, so that we are now able to noninvasively accurately image the coronary arterial tree. This has opened up a debate as to the role of this imaging modality in our day-to-day evaluation of acute coronary syndromes. Much recent literature has focused on whether in the acute setting this modality should be incorporated into current evaluation and treatment guidelines. AREAS COVERED A comprehensive review of a literature illustrating the utility of CTA in the acute care setting is presented. The paper goes on to address the benefits and challenges of implementation of CTA in the evaluation of acute chest pain syndromes. Alternative guidelines and insights on future directions are presented. EXPERT OPINION In this current era where CAD, and more specifically acute chest pain syndromes, remains as a large part of ED visits and also healthcare costs, CTA will play an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of individuals. It remains only a matter of time when this will be implemented in our guidelines, in light of the recent literature and ever improving CTA protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nove Kalia
- Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA - Cardiology , Torrance CA , USA
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Branch KR, Bresnahan BW, Veenstra DL, Shuman WP, Weintraub WS, Busey JM, Elliott DJ, Mitsumori LM, Strote J, Jobe K, Dubinsky T, Caldwell JH. Economic outcome of cardiac CT-based evaluation and standard of care for suspected acute coronary syndrome in the emergency department: a decision analytic model. Acad Radiol 2012; 19:265-73. [PMID: 22209422 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2011.10.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2011] [Revised: 10/22/2011] [Accepted: 10/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES Cardiac computed tomography (CCT) in the emergency department may be cost saving for suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS), but economic outcome data are limited. The objective of this study was to compare the cost of CCT-based evaluation versus standard of care (SOC) using the results of a clinical trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS We developed a decision analytic cost-minimization model to compare CCT-based and SOC evaluation costs to obtain a correct diagnosis. Model inputs, including Medicare-adjusted patient costs, were primarily obtained from a cohort study of 102 patients at low to intermediate risk for ACS who underwent an emergency department SOC clinical evaluation and a 64-channel CCT. SOC costs included stress testing in 77% of patients. Data from published literature completed the model inputs and expanded data ranges for sensitivity analyses. RESULTS Modeled mean patient costs for CCT-based evaluation were $750 (24%) lower than the SOC ($2384 and $3134, respectively). Sensitivity analyses indicated that CCT was less expensive over a wide range of estimates and was only more expensive with a CCT specificity below 67% or if more than 44% of very low risk patients had CCT. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis suggested that CCT-based evaluation had a 98.9% probability of being less expensive compared to SOC. CONCLUSION Using a decision analytic model, CCT-based evaluation resulted in overall lower cost than the SOC for possible ACS patients over a wide range of cost and outcome assumptions, including computed tomography-related complications and downstream costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelley R Branch
- Division of Cardiology, University of Washington, Seattle, 98195, USA.
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Can the HEART score safely reduce stress testing and cardiac imaging in patients at low risk for major adverse cardiac events? Crit Pathw Cardiol 2012; 10:128-33. [PMID: 21989033 DOI: 10.1097/hpc.0b013e3182315a85] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with low-risk chest pain have high utilization of stress testing and cardiac imaging, but low rates of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The objective of this study was to determine whether the HEART score could safely reduce objective cardiac testing in patients with low-risk chest pain. METHODS A cohort of chest pain patients was identified from an emergency department-based observation unit registry. HEART scores were determined using registry data elements and blinded chart review. HEART scores were dichotomized into low (0-3) or high risk (>3). The outcome was major adverse cardiac events (MACE); a composite end point of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, or coronary revascularization during the index visit or within 30 days. Sensitivity, specificity, and potential reduction of cardiac testing were calculated. RESULTS In a span of 28 months, the registry included 1070 low-risk chest pain patients. MACE occurred in 0.6% (5/904) of patients with low-risk HEART scores compared with 4.2% (7/166) with a high-risk HEART scores (odds ratio = 7.92; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 2.48-25.25). A HEART score of >3 was 58% sensitive (95% CI: 32-81%) and 85% specific (95% CI: 83-87%) for MACE. The HEART score missed 5 cases of ACS among 1070 patients (0.5%) and could have reduced cardiac testing by 84.5% (904/1070). Combination of serial troponin >0.065 ng/mL or HEART score >3 resulted in sensitivity of 100% (95% CI: 72-100%), specificity of 83% (95% CI: 81-85%), and potential reduction in cardiac testing of 82% (879/1070). CONCLUSIONS If used to guide stress testing and cardiac imaging, the HEART score could substantially reduce cardiac testing in a population with low pretest probability of ACS.
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Cury RC, Feuchtner G, Mascioli C, Fialkow J, Andrulonis P, Villanueva T, Pena CS, Janowitz WR, Katzen BT, Ziffer JA. Cardiac CT in the emergency department: convincing evidence, but cautious implementation. J Nucl Cardiol 2011; 18:331-41. [PMID: 21359497 DOI: 10.1007/s12350-011-9356-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
In clinical practice, assessment of chest pain patients presenting to the emergency department is difficult and the work-up can be lengthy and costly. There is growing evidence supporting the use of coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) in early assessment of patients presenting with acute chest pain to the emergency department. CTA appears to be a faster and more accurate way to diagnosis or rule out coronary stenosis, leading to reduced hospital admissions, decreased time in the ED and lower costs. The focus of this article is to review the current literature of the use of Coronary CTA and "triple rule out" protocols in the emergency department setting and to provide a chest pain algorithm, showing how Coronary CTA can be implemented effectively in clinical practice. Potential pitfalls and requirements for implementation will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo C Cury
- Baptist Hospital of Miami and Baptist Cardiac and Vascular Institute, 8900 North Kendall Drive, Miami, FL, USA.
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Wilson SR, Min JK. The potential role for the use of cardiac computed tomography angiography for the acute chest pain patient in the emergency department. J Nucl Cardiol 2011; 18:168-76. [PMID: 21190100 DOI: 10.1007/s12350-010-9328-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sean R Wilson
- The Greenberg Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA
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