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Computed tomographic coronary angiography (CTCA) is a non-invasive imaging modality which allows plaque burden (PB) and composition assessment. Lowering the tube potential (kilovolt [kV]) is key strategy to reduce radiation dose to patients. In vivo studies have not investigated the effects of lower tube potential (<120 kV) for plaque assessment. We aim to evaluate the effects of different kVs on plaque burden assessment in comparison to intravascular imaging.

11 patients with stable angina were prospectively recruited for a third generation dual-source CTCA (prospective ECG-triggered sequential scans, gantry rotation 250 ms, 128 × 2 × 0.5 mm collimation with tube voltage (kV) and current determined by scanner) and 3-vessel intravascular imaging (IVUS). The IVUS pullbacks were manually segmented and plaques with PB >40% were included in the study. Semi-automated CTCA …