Fractional flow reserve derived from coronary computed tomography: where are we now and where are we heading?

Abstract

Computed tomography coronary angiography is emerging as the preferred diagnostic tool for patients with chest pain. Additional knowledge of the extent and distribution of myocardial ischemia enables tailored patient management. Computed tomography-derived fractional flow reserve (FFRCT) employs computed tomography coronary angiography raw data processed via complex computational fluid dynamics and produces a surrogate of the invasive fractional flow reserve (FFR) thus delivering anatomical and physiological assessment in a single test. FFRCT has been extensively validated against invasive FFR and observational clinical studies have consistently demonstrated its utility as gatekeeper to invasive angiography while also reducing downstream clinical events and costs. Novel workstation-based models of estimating FFR are now being tested. Ongoing and future research results will define their role in clinical practice.