Docs face off over the benefits of EBCT vs multislice

New Orleans, LA -9 Mar 2004  The debate rages on over the pros and cons of electron-beam computed tomography (EBCT) and multislice computed tomography (MDCT). Drs Matthew Budoff (Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA) and Michael Poon (Cabrini Medical Center, NY) faced off yesterday afternoon at the American College of Cardiology 2004 Scientific Sessions, debating the merits of these options for imaging coronary arteries.

Budoff argued in favor of EBCT, pointing out the convenience of this option. "I'm a clinical cardiologist and I am looking for clinical practicality. If you want something that is easy to do and easy to interpret, EBCT is the way to go." He asked attendees, "As a cardiologist, do you want to prescreen every patient for rhythms? Do you want to introduce beta blockers and wait an hour?"

Budoff argued that EBCT offers many advantages over MDCT, including higher temporal resolution, higher success rates, lower radiation, and better validation and standardization of calcium scoring.

He said that 12% to 25% of multislice cases are nondiagnostic. And he added that multiple reconstructions are required just to see the coronary arteries. He concluded, "MDCT is not practical for routine cardiac use. EBCT is easy with a 95% success rate."