In Cardiology what is the difference between Anjogram Test & CTC Scan Test? Which test is simple & accurate?

Answer 1

Angiography is the gold-standard test. It isn't something you want done just for the heck of it, since it involves poking a rather large needle into your groin and running a catheter up into the coronary arteries, not to mention the risks of the contrast material.
CT angiography is promising in its simplicity and painlessness, but so far the accuracy has been disappointing.

Answer 2

Coronary angiography is performed with the use of local anesthesia and intravenous sedation, and is generally not terribly uncomfortable. During a coronary angiogram, a small catheter (a thin hollow tube with a diameter of 2-3 mm) is inserted through the skin into an artery in either the groin or the arm. Guided with the assistance of a fluoroscope (a special x-ray viewing instrument), the catheter is then advanced to the opening of the coronary arteries, the blood vessels supplying blood to the heart. Next, a small amount of radiographic contrast (a solution containing iodine, which is easily visualized with x-ray images) is injected into each coronary artery. The images that are produced are called the angiogram.

Angiographic images accurately reveal the extent and severity of all coronary artery blockages. For patients with severe angina or heart attack (myocardial infarction), or those who have markedly abnormal noninvasive tests for CAD, the angiogram also helps the doctor select the optimal treatment, which may include medications, balloon angioplasty, coronary stenting, atherectomy ("roto-rooter"), or coronary artery bypass surgery . The coronary angiogram is the only test which allows the precise quantification of the extent and severity of CAD to optimally make these treatment decisions.

CT Scan-
Computed tomography, commonly known as a CT scan, combines multiple X-ray images with the aid of a computer to produce cross-sectional views of the body. Cardiac CT is a heart-imaging test that uses CT technology with or without intravenous (IV) contrast (dye) to visualize the heart anatomy, coronary circulation, and great vessels (which includes the aorta, pulmonary veins, and arteries).

There are several types of CT scans used in the diagnosis of heart disease, including:

1. Calcium-score screening heart scan
2. Coronary CT angiography (CTA)
3. Total body CT scan

A new procedure called Coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) is a noninvasive heart imaging test currently undergoing rapid development and evaluation. High-resolution, 3-dimensional pictures of the moving heart and great vessels are produced during a coronary CTA to determine if either fatty or calcium deposits (plaques) have built up in the coronary arteries.

In my opinion by doing an angiogram you get the accurate problem of your heart. Though it is slightly costlier it is better to have this. -

Answer 3

The best test is stress thallium which falls under nuclear medicine. But if one has to go for bypass surgery, angiogram is must because it shows exactly how many and where the blockage is there. Another test is 3 dimensional cardio cartography. Angiogram will cost around 10000 to 15000. Stress thallium Rs. 7500. Cartography Rs.4000. Finally it depends on your cardiologist and his preference.