Study protocol
Role of multidetector computed tomography in the diagnosis and management of patients attending the rapid access chest pain clinic, The Scottish computed tomography of the heart (SCOT-HEART) trial: study protocol for randomized controlled trial
1 University of Edinburgh/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 SU4, UK
2 Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, 51 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SA, UK
3 School of Economics, University of Edinburgh, 31 Buccleuch Place, Edinburgh, EH8 9JT, UK
4 Forth Valley Royal Hospital, Larbert, FK5 4WR, UK
5 Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, IV2 3UJ, UK
6 Edinburgh Clinical Trials Unit, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
7 Barts Health NHS Trust, The Royal London Hospital, London, E1 1BB, UK
8 Borders General Hospital, Melrose, TD6 9BS, UK
9 Clinical Research Imaging Centre, University of Edinburgh, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
10 Peninsula Heart & Stroke Network, Plymouth, PL6 5QZ, UK
11 Chief Scientist Office, Scottish Government Health Directorates, St Andrew’s House, Edinburgh, EH1 3DG, UK
12 Royal Brompton Hospital, Sydney Street, London, SW3 6NP, UK
13 Glasgow Royal Infirmary, 16 Alexandra Parade, Glasgow, G31 2ER, UK
14 Western Infirmary, Glasgow/Institute of Cardiovascular & Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
15 London Chest Hospital, Bonner Road, London, E2 9JX, UK
16 Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, DD1 9SY, UK
17 Royal Alexandra Hospital, Paisley, PA2 9PN, UK
18 Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
19 St John’s Hospital, Livingston, EH54 6PP, UK
20 University Hospital, Ayr, KA8 0RX, UK
21 Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy, KY2 5RA, UK
Trials 2012, 13:184 doi:10.1186/1745-6215-13-184
Published: 4 October 2012Abstract
Background
Rapid access chest pain clinics have facilitated the early diagnosis and treatment of patients with coronary heart disease and angina. Despite this important service provision, coronary heart disease continues to be under-diagnosed and many patients are left untreated and at risk. Recent advances in imaging technology have now led to the widespread use of noninvasive computed tomography, which can be used to measure coronary artery calcium scores and perform coronary angiography in one examination. However, this technology has not been robustly evaluated in its application to the clinic.
Methods/design
The SCOT-HEART study is an open parallel group prospective multicentre randomized controlled trial of 4,138 patients attending the rapid access chest pain clinic for evaluation of suspected cardiac chest pain. Following clinical consultation, participants will be approached and randomized 1:1 to receive standard care or standard care plus ≥64-multidetector computed tomography coronary angiography and coronary calcium score. Randomization will be conducted using a web-based system to ensure allocation concealment and will incorporate minimization. The primary endpoint of the study will be the proportion of patients diagnosed with angina pectoris secondary to coronary heart disease at 6 weeks. Secondary endpoints will include the assessment of subsequent symptoms, diagnosis, investigation and treatment. In addition, long-term health outcomes, safety endpoints, such as radiation dose, and health economic endpoints will be assessed. Assuming a clinic rate of 27.0% for the diagnosis of angina pectoris due to coronary heart disease, we will need to recruit 2,069 patients per group to detect an absolute increase of 4.0% in the rate of diagnosis at 80% power and a two-sided P value of 0.05. The SCOT-HEART study is currently recruiting participants and expects to report in 2014.
Discussion
This is the first study to look at the implementation of computed tomography in the patient care pathway that is outcome focused. This study will have major implications for the management of patients with cardiovascular disease.
Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01149590
