Computerized Tomography (CT) has successfully provided excellent, top quality images of structure in the human body. The most recent technological breakthrough called Spiral CT Scanner boasts almost instantaneous imaging acquisition that allows imaging of cardiovascular structures and functions. Complete with a 64-slice multi-detector Spiral CT (MDCT), coronary artery can be visualized and assessed for luminal narrowing for the scan in less than 15 seconds! This is an important evolution for cardiac imaging as we now have a powerful tool to assess various causes of chest pains, assessment of coronary artery bypass grafts, coronary stents and is especially welcomed for patients with multiple coronary risk factors and abnormal stress testing. This examination can now be performed without puncturing the artery, insertion of the catheter or injection of contrast dye directly into the heart and coronary artery. 3-dimensional CT images of the left coronary artery from normal subject Severe narrowing of the left anterior descending coronary artery at the level of the first diagonal branch in CT image (blue arrow) which is corresponding with the image of coronary angiography from cardiac catheterization (red arrow). Patent coronary stents (arrows) Coronary bypass grafts (arrows)        Aside from chest pain caused by heart diseases, this new technology (MDCT) can also detect other heart-related diseases like, pulmonary embolism, aortic dissection, lung tumor and pneumothorax etc. The MDCT technology is well integrated into perfect Heart Institute’s Chest Pain Center. Clot noted in pulmonary arteries (arrows) Mass seen at the left lung (arrow)        For vascular diseases, MDCT can be utilized to assess all arterial systems including the carotid artery, aorta and peripheral artery. This can be utilized for follow-up intervention in various regions of the artery including endovascular stenting or bypass graft. Clot noted in pulmonary arteries (arrows) Mass seen at the left lung (arrow) CT images of abdominal aorta after endovascular stent placement CT images of abdominal aortic aneurysm       Another clinical application of MDCT is to detect calcium deposits in the coronary artery which has been shown to be associated with coronary arthrosclerosis increasing the risk of cardiovascular complication developments. Coronary calcium deposition (arrows)        If you have any of the following symptoms or heart conditions like   1. Chest Pain   2. Abnormal stress test   3. Previous balloon angioplasty or bypass surgery with recurring chest pains   4. Concerns about the presence of blockages in artery of the arm or leg   5. Concerns of large artery enlargement in the chest or abdomen   6. Shortness of breath, chest pains or concerns of the presence of clot in the artery of the lungs Please contact your physician to determine whether MDCT can assist you in assessing your condition.