Use of Medication in Coronary Imaging by CT

CT of the heart has evolved rapidly over the last decade. Adjunct medication in order to obtain the best possible images is a frequent requirement of coronary and perfusion CT examinations of the heart. Heart rate control and coronary dilation are the key objectives for coronary CT investigations; heart rate control is usually achieved with cardio-selective short acting B Blockers, where B Blockers are contraindicated as in severe asthma. Ivabradine an If channel blocker is an alternative drug this is usually prescribed for a week before the CT examination and therefore requires a significant amount of preparation and prior knowledge of the patient. Coronary dilatation is usually achieved by the use of short acting nitrates. Cardiac perfusion examinations by CT require the administration of adenosine or an adenosine agonist. In all cases of medication usage care must be taken to minimise drug interaction and mitigate the side effects of the drugs used as well as deciding on the order and timing of the use of medication [1, 2].