Use of cardiac CT amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond: North American perspective

• Published in: Journal of cardiovascular computed tomography 2021-01, Vol.15 (1), p.16-26
• Main Authors: Singh, Vasvi, Choi, Andrew D., Leipsic, Jonathon, Aghayev, Ayaz, Earls, James P., Blanke, Philipp, Steigner, Michael, Shaw Phd, Leslee J., Di Carli, Marcelo F., Villines, Todd C., Blankstein, Ron
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cardiac CT; Coronary CTA; COVID-19; COVID-19 - prevention & control; Diagnosis, Differential; Heart - diagnostic imaging; Heart Diseases - diagnostic imaging; Humans; North America; Pandemics; Review; SARS-CoV-2; Tomography, X-Ray Computed - methods
• ISSN: 1934-5925; 1876-861X; 1876-861X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcct.2020.11.004

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected patient care deliver throughout the world, resulting in a greater emphasis on efficiently and safety. In this article, we discuss the experiences of several North American centers in utilizing cardiac CT during the pandemic. We also provide a case-based overview which highlights the advantages of cardiac CT in evaluating the following scenarios: (1) patients with possible myocardial injury versus myocardial infarction; (2) patients with acute chest pain; (3) patients with stable chest pain; (4) patients with possible intracardiac thrombus; (5) patients with valvular heart disease. For each scenario, we also provide an overview of various societies recommendations which have highlighted the use of cardiac CT during different phases of the COVID-19 pandemic. We hope that the advantages of cardiac CT that have been realized during the pandemic can help promote wider adoption of this technique and improved coverage and payment by payors.