Abstract 13289: Yield of Screening for Coronary Artery Disease in Asymptomatic Male Singapore Armed Forces Employees Using Very Low Radiation Dose Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography

Background: Screening for coronary artery disease (CAD) among asymptomatic individuals using coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) is controversial due to concerns about diagnostic yield, therapeutic implications, exposure to radiation and contrast. The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) instituted a pilot screening program of ‘high risk' individuals using CTA. The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic yield of a screening program for CAD amongst a selected group of asymptomatic individuals. Method & Results: Men working for the SAF who were over the age of 40 years, had one or more conventional risk factor for CAD and/or abnormalities of the resting ECG were selected for coronary CTA. After baseline renal assessment, these individuals underwent imaging using a 256-slice dual source scanner. Pre-procedure oral beta blockade with atenolol (median dose 50 mg) was used in 93%. A low radiation “flash” protocol was used in 95%. Image quality was acceptable in 98%. A total of 48 SAF employees und...