Limitations of Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography in Predicting Acute Coronary Syndrome in a Low to Intermediate-risk Patient with Chest Pain

Abstract

The optimal management of patients with chest pain relies on the prognostic information provided by noninvasive cardiovascular testing. Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is an increasingly utilized, highly accurate noninvasive test for diagnosing coronary artery disease. We illustrate an exceptional limitation of the prognostic information provided by CCTA. A 46-year-old female presented with chest pain suggestive of angina. Noninvasive testing for ischemia was negative, with CCTA showing mild stenosis of the proximal left anterior descending (LAD) artery. An electrocardiogram after two weeks demonstrated ST elevation in leads V1-V2 and aVR, with ST depression in the lateral leads. Cardiac catheterization revealed a significant proximal LAD lesion requiring percutaneous coronary intervention. An anatomic assessment of coronary arteries should be considered in cases of strong clinical suspicion for cardiac ischemia and initial nondiagnostic findings. Further studies are needed to improve the accuracy and the negative predictive value of CCTA in intermediate-risk individuals.