Since the introduction of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), noninvasive imaging of the heart has become a clinical reality. In a few short years a revolution has taken place which has seen validation studies give way to clinical studies alongside a steady increase in the diffusion of MDCT systems. Meanwhile many hospitals have embraced 64-slice-CT technology and are beginning to clinically implement the technique. This new frontier offers innovative solutions, but at the same time it also raises new clinical questions. Because of the complexity of the topic and the technology described, radiologic and cardiologic skills need to be merged to achieve the required diagnostic standard. This volume contains the experiences of several opinion leaders in the fields of radiology and cardiology. The topics are described from a number of viewpoints, giving readers the widest possible understanding of all the issues based on their respective scientific backgrounds. The most recent technologic innovations regarding MDCT as well as their impact on the current indications of the technique and daily clinical practice are also described. The book will therefore prove an invaluable tool for both radiologists and cardiologists alike. TOC:CLINICS. Coronary artery disease screening. Coronary artery disease screening in major noncardiac surgery. Heart failure. Diabetes. Peripheral atherosclerosis as a marker of coronary artery disease. Coronary stenosis. Acute coronary syndromes. Coronary plaques. Coronary angioplasty with stenting. Coronary artery bypass grafting. Pulmonary veins and cardiac veins. Evaluation of myocardial viability. Thoracic aorta disease. "Triple rule-out".- SEMEIOTICS. CT anatomy of the heart and classification in coronary. Calcium score and coronary plaque. Coronary stenosis. Coronary stents. Evaluation of bypass grafts. Myocardial viability in MDCT. Evaluation of cardiac volumetric and functional parameters. Reporting. Cardiac veins and pulmonary veins. Pulmonary arteries. Cardiac and mediastinal masses. Thoracic aorta. Incidental findings.- TECHNIQUE. CT and CT angiography scan technique. CT of the heart scan technique. Contrast agent administration. Patient preparation. Scan protocols. Dose. Artifacts in cardiac CT.- CLINICAL INDICATIONS, FUSION OF TECHNIQUES AND NEW DEVELOPMENTS. Clinical indications of cardiac CT. Integration between CT and conventional coronary angiography. Integration between CT and echocardiography. Integration between CT and nuclear medicine - SPECT e PET. Integration between CT and MR. Future technical developments: evolution or revolution?.-