Novel CT applications for Cardiovascular Screening in Rural and Remote Australia

A/Prof Joseph Suttie, Siobhan Lee, Soraya Joseph

Purpose

To review the use of novel CT technologies as tools for screening cardiovascular risk in rural populations.

Approach

The application of two new CT technologies – “Snapshot Freeze” and “Dual Energy CT” – as tools for cardiovascular screening was described. “Snapshot Freeze” is a tool for minimising motion artefact in coronary vessel imaging, particularly in patients who would otherwise be difficult to screen due to limiting factors such as uncontrollable heart rate. “Dual Energy CT” is a imaging technique that improves the characterisation of tissue composition, which potentially improves the detection of unstable or high risk coronary disease.

Data was collected from over 1900 patients already screened using these technologies in rural NSW.

Results/Discussion

The application of new technologies is a feasible step towards improving access to safe, high quality medical care for populations struggling against the barriers of distance and rurality. These tools have the potential to risk stratify patients and direct the need for further invasive coronary investigation and management in the context of a regional centre.