Diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography coronary angiography utilizing recent advances in technology in patients with high heart rates: a systematic review protocol.

Objective: The objective of this review is to determine the diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) using recent scan technologies for detecting coronary artery disease (CAD) in adults with high heart rates.

Introduction: Invasive coronary angiography is the gold standard for detecting significant CAD, but it is costly and carries risks of complications. Computed tomography coronary angiography has a high sensitivity for diagnosing CAD, although image quality may be affected by elevated heart rates. Recent technological advances in scanner design may increase the diagnostic accuracy of CTCA.

Inclusion criteria: This review will consider diagnostic test accuracy studies that include adults 18 years and older with a heart rate greater than 65 beats per minute who have undergone CTCA to diagnose CAD (greater than 50% stenosis). Eligible studies will compare invasive coronary angiography with computed tomography scanner technologies that use either single- or dual-source scanner configuration in prospective electrocardiogram scan acquisition mode, and with a total scanner coverage equal to or greater than 128 detector-rows. Studies published in English from 2007 will be considered.

Methods: PubMed, Embase, CINAHL and Scopus will be searched, along with Google Scholar, the NIHR-HTA register, computed tomography vendors and conference abstracts. Screening of potential titles and abstracts, retrieval of full-text studies, assessment of methodological quality and data extraction will be performed independently by two reviewers. Meta-analyses will be performed, if possible, and a Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) Summary of Findings presented.