Abstract
In the last decade, artificial intelligence (AI) has influenced the
field of cardiac computed tomography (CT), with its scope further
enhanced by advanced methodologies such as machine learning (ML) and
deep learning (DL). The AI-driven techniques leverage large datasets to
develop and train algorithms capable of making precise evaluation and
predictions. The realm of cardiac CT is expanding day by day and
multiple tools are offered to answer different questions. Coronary
artery calcium score (CACS) and CT angiography (CTA) provide
high-resolution images that facilitates detailed anatomical evaluation
of coronary plaque burden. New tools such myocardial CT perfusion (CTP)
and fractional flow reserve (FFR CT) have been developed
to add a functional evaluation of the stenosis. Seen the great added
value of the aforementioned tools, the demand for new exams has
increased such as the burden on imagers. Due to its ability to fast
compute multiple data, AI can be helpful in both the acquisition and
post-processing phases. AI can possibly reduce radiation dose, increase
image quality and shorten image analysis time. Moreover, different types
of data can be used for risk assessment and patient risk stratification.
Recently, the focus of the scientific community on AI has led to
numerous studies, especially on CACS and CTA. This narrative review
concentrates on AI’s role in the post-processing of CACS, CTA, FFR
CT and CTP, discussing both current capabilities and
future directions in the field of cardiac imaging.