Ultrafast CT means: Ultrafast CT has a potential drawback in that it only reports a complete calcium score. The Ultrafast CT will report a total calcium score, meaning that if there are multiple 70-80 blocks of approximately 30 pieces each, the scores for them all can be identical. Ultrafast CT cannot show images of specific areas of calcification.
(in Medical Dictionary)
What else does Ultrafast CT mean?
Ultrafast CT is an electron beam computerized imaging tomography (EBCT) that can detect coronary artery disease. It’s a controversial and non-invasive method for detecting CAD. Ultrafast computerized imaging is used to detect calcium deposits within the coronary arteries.
(in Medical Dictionary)
Ultrafast CT was reported to be a better test than treadmill-ECG or technetium-stress test for detecting CAD J Am Coll Cardiol 2000;36:32-38,326-340. It was deemed a “reasonable alternative to traditional stress testing”, citing its low cost and short test times, as well as the fact that it does not require a doctor to perform the scan. The American College of Cardiology (ACM) and American Heart Association both issued consensus statements opposing Ultrafast CT. This controversy is not over.
(in Medical Dictionary)
It is not clear how important it is to detect mild blockages. However, the best treatment is usually risk factor modification, including smoking cessation and cholesterol reduction, as well as certain vitamins and aspirin.
(in Medical Dictionary)
Patients with CAD have significant calcium deposits in their plaques. Ultrafast CT can detect these blockages. Ultrafast CT can detect calcium blockages in as little as 10-20 degrees, which is a far cry from what would be found with standard physiologic stress tests.
(in Medical Dictionary)
Ultrafast CT is most useful in screening for CAD risk factors. For older patients with calcification, Ultrafast CT scans are of little value. For the same reasons, some calcification might not indicate significant CAD.
(in Medical Dictionary)
