Abstract: Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography vs Functional Stress Testing for Patients With Suspected Coronary Artery Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Foy, A.J., et al, JAMA Intern Med 177(11):1623, November 1, 2017

BACKGROUND: Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is more accurate than functional stress testing for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease, but it is unclear whether this superiority leads to better clinical outcomes.

METHODS: The authors performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of 13 randomized, controlled trials that included 20,092 patients (mean age 58) and compared CCTA (n=10,315) with functional stress testing (n=9,777) in patients being evaluated for coronary artery disease. The primary endpoints included clinical outcomes and changes in therapy.

RESULTS: There was no difference between the groups in the overall mortality rate or the rate of cardiac hospitalization (2.7% in both groups). The CCTA group had a lower incidence of myocardial infarction (0.7% vs. 1.1% in the stress test group), and a higher incidence of revascularization (7.2 vs. 4.5), invasive coronary angiography (11.7% vs. 9.1%), and a new CAD diagnosis (18.3% vs. 8.3%). The CCTA group also had a higher rate of use of aspirin (21.6% vs. 8.2%) and statins (20.0% vs. 7.3%).

CONCLUSIONS: When compared with functional stress testing, CCTA appears to be associated with a decreased incidence of myocardial infarction in patients with chest pain, but an increased probability of revascularization, invasive angiography and medication change. However, rates of cardiac hospitalization and overall mortality were similar in patients evaluated with CCTA vs. functional stress testing. 23 references (afoy@pennstatehealth.psu.edu – no reprints)

Foy, A.J., et al, JAMA Intern Med 177(11):1623, November 1, 2017

BACKGROUND: Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is more accurate than functional stress testing for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease, but it is unclear whether this superiority leads to better clinical outcomes.

METHODS: The authors performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of 13 randomized, controlled trials that included 20,092 patients (mean age 58) and compared CCTA (n=10,315) with functional stress testing (n=9,777) in patients being evaluated for coronary artery disease. The primary endpoints included clinical outcomes and changes in therapy.

RESULTS: There was no difference between the groups in the overall mortality rate or the rate of cardiac hospitalization (2.7% in both groups). The CCTA group had a lower incidence of myocardial infarction (0.7% vs. 1.1% in the stress test group), and a higher incidence of revascularization (7.2 vs. 4.5), invasive coronary angiography (11.7% vs. 9.1%), and a new CAD diagnosis (18.3% vs. 8.3%). The CCTA group also had a higher rate of use of aspirin (21.6% vs. 8.2%) and statins (20.0% vs. 7.3%).

CONCLUSIONS: When compared with functional stress testing, CCTA appears to be associated with a decreased incidence of myocardial infarction in patients with chest pain, but an increased probability of revascularization, invasive angiography and medication change. However, rates of cardiac hospitalization and overall mortality were similar in patients evaluated with CCTA vs. functional stress testing. 23 references (afoy@pennstatehealth.psu.edu – no reprints)

Foy, A.J., et al, JAMA Intern Med 177(11):1623, November 1, 2017

BACKGROUND: Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is more accurate than functional stress testing for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease, but it is unclear whether this superiority leads to better clinical outcomes.

METHODS: The authors performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of 13 randomized, controlled trials that included 20,092 patients (mean age 58) and compared CCTA (n=10,315) with functional stress testing (n=9,777) in patients being evaluated for coronary artery disease. The primary endpoints included clinical outcomes and changes in therapy.

RESULTS: There was no difference between the groups in the overall mortality rate or the rate of cardiac hospitalization (2.7% in both groups). The CCTA group had a lower incidence of myocardial infarction (0.7% vs. 1.1% in the stress test group), and a higher incidence of revascularization (7.2 vs. 4.5), invasive coronary angiography (11.7% vs. 9.1%), and a new CAD diagnosis (18.3% vs. 8.3%). The CCTA group also had a higher rate of use of aspirin (21.6% vs. 8.2%) and statins (20.0% vs. 7.3%).

CONCLUSIONS: When compared with functional stress testing, CCTA appears to be associated with a decreased incidence of myocardial infarction in patients with chest pain, but an increased probability of revascularization, invasive angiography and medication change. However, rates of cardiac hospitalization and overall mortality were similar in patients evaluated with CCTA vs. functional stress testing. 23 references (afoy@pennstatehealth.psu.edu – no reprints)