CTCA and Risk Stratification

Cardiac computed tomography (CT) has emerged as a first-line test and well-established non-invasive imaging modality in the clinical diagnostic work-up of patients who have suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) with incremental power in cardiovascular risk stratification. Emerging technical advances in scanner technologies, as well as software applications, including artificial intelligence and radiomics, have brought cardiac CT to the forefront of cardiovascular imaging. Coronary plaque characterization and quantification, hemodynamically assessment by CT-derived fractional flow reserve and CT myocardial perfusion imaging, as well as imaging proinflammatory stages and development of atherosclerosis via epicardial adipose tissue quantification are established methods in the armamentarium of cardiac CT imaging.

This Research Topic is related to articles that focus on:
- Novel technical applications (artificial intelligence/machine learning, photon-counting/spectral-CT);
- Technical advances in the diagnosis of CAD and cardiovascular outcomes;
- Cardiovascular risk stratification and preventive care;
- Biomarkers of cardiovascular inflammation (i.e. epicardial adipose tissue);
- Hemodynamic assessment of CAD (FFR-CT, CT-myocardial perfusion imaging);
- Tissue characterization by CT (late enhancement and ECV assessment).

The following article types will be considered for publication:
- Original research articles
- Reviews of the hot topics of cardiac CT
- Technical reports (of novel technology or imaging techniques) as short communications

Conflict of Interest:
Topic Editor Dr. Tilman Emrich received Institutional Research Support from Siemens Healthineers. The other Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regard to the Research Topic subject.

Keywords: computed tomography, coronary artery disease, atherosclerosis, plaque imaging, coronary physiology, artificial intelligence

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