Abstract
Because coronary artery disease (CAD) remains a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality, a careful diagnostic workup of patients with suspected CAD continues to be of utmost importance. Invasive coronary angiography (ICA) is currently the reference standard for diagnosing obstructive CAD, especially in conjunction with invasive functional tests. However, because of the potential risks and costs related to ICA, current guidelines advocate to use non-invasive imaging as an initial test in patients with suspected CAD. Although, or perhaps partially because of, an ever increasing array of diagnostic tools are available for contemporary cardiologists, the diagnostic workup remains challenging. Therefore, this thesis investigates the diagnostic value of multiple established and novel imaging modalities when compared with invasive reference measurements. Furthermore, additional non-invasive imaging features are tested for a potential incremental diagnostic and prognostic value. Finally, this thesis explores the complex relationship between coronary stenosis, plaque morphology and flow in a non-invasive as well as invasive fashion.
Original language | English |
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Qualification | Doctor of Philosophy |
Awarding Institution |
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Supervisors/Advisors |
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Award date | 6 Apr 2023 |
Place of Publication | Naarden |
Publisher | |
Print ISBNs | 9789464589764 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 6 Apr 2023 |
Keywords
- coronary artery disease
- coronary computed tomography angiography
- fractional flow reserve
- magnetic resonance imaging
- myocardial blood flow
- myocardial perfusion
- plaque morphology
- positron emission tomography
- single-photon emission computed tomography
- vulnerable plaque