CARDIAC CT AND CT CORONARY ANGIOGRAPHY: NEW DIAGNOSTIC CAPABILITIES AT THE NATIONAL MEDICAL RESEARCH CENTRE OF RADIOLOGY

The A. Tsyb Medical Radiological Research Centre (MRRC) has expanded its cardiac imaging diagnostic capabilities: CT coronary angiography and cardiac CT scans are now available to patients. These methods enable highly accurate assessment of the coronary bed and cardiac structures, detection of clinically significant changes at early stages, and monitoring of the cardiovascular system during and after antitumour treatment.

“Cardiac CT and CT coronary angiography are non‑invasive and painless techniques that provide detailed images of the heart, its chambers, valves, surrounding vessels, and the coronary arteries that supply the heart muscle”, – explains Tatev Agababyan, MD, Head of the Radiology Department at the A. Tsyb Medical Radiological Research Centre (MRRC). “The examination helps identify vessel narrowings, plaques, and vascular anomalies. It is more informative than a standard cardiac ultrasound, yet it does not require anesthesia or arterial invasion, as in conventional coronary angiography”.

This type of diagnosis is particularly important for cancer patients, as drug therapy and radiation treatment can sometimes lead to cardiotoxicity and affect the condition of the heart and blood vessels.

Cardiac CT and CT coronary angiography allow:

• assessing the condition of the heart before starting treatment;
• detecting early signs of cardiotoxicity in a timely manner;
• ruling out the risk of cardiovascular complications before surgery or drug therapy;
• monitoring disease progression in patients with pre‑existing cardiovascular conditions.

Indications for the examination:

• patients scheduled to receive chemotherapy with potentially cardiotoxic drugs;
• before starting radiation therapy to the mediastinum or breast area;
• in cases of chest pain, shortness of breath, or heart rhythm disturbances (during or after treatment);
• individuals at high cardiovascular risk (with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, high cholesterol, or a history of smoking).

A referral for cardiac CT and CT coronary angiography is issued by the attending oncologist or cardiologist at the A. Tsyb Medical Radiological Research Centre (MRRC) following a consultation. Patients can also schedule the examination on a fee‑paying basis via the contact center:

8 (800) 250‑87‑00