Deep Learning CAD Screening on Chest CT

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Many people have early atherosclerosis without symptoms, and some may develop significant coronary stenosis before any warning signs appear. Identifying high-risk individuals at an early stage is important to prevent heart attacks and other cardiovascular events. Coronary CT angiography (CCTA) can directly evaluate plaque type and the degree of narrowing in the coronary arteries, but it is expensive, requires contrast injection, and involves higher radiation, making it unsuitable for large-scale screening. In contrast, non-contrast chest CT is widely used for health check-ups and lung disease follow-up. Such scans often provide clear views of certain coronary segments, which creates an opportunity to screen for CAD without additional cost or risk. This multicenter study aims to develop and validate deep lear