DEtection of Subclinical Coronary AtheRosclerosis in diabeTES Using Coronary CT Angiography (DESCARTES Trial)

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death in patients with diabetes. Patients with diabetes are known to have silent myocardial ischemia more frequently than those without diabetes. Furthermore, CAD in patients with diabetes frequently manifested in advance stage, and morbidity and mortality are higher than those without diabetes. Early screening and treatment of CAD in asymptomatic patients with diabetes might reduce high morbidity and mortality.

In recent advance in technology, coronary CT angiography makes it more accurately and easier in detecting CAD not only in symptomatic patients but also in asymptomatic population. In asymptomatic population, coronary CT angiography could detect subclinical coronary atherosclerosis with high sensitivity and specificity. However, there is a paucity of information on the role of coronary CT angiography as a screening method in high risk asymptomatic population, i.e. asymptomatic patients with diabetes.

Therefore in our study, we will evaluate the prevalence and clinical predictors of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis and to validate the usefulness of coronary CT angiography as a screening tool in asymptomatic patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

In this study, we will recruit asymptomatic patients with diabetes. At the time of enrollment, patients will be randomly assigned to coronary CT angiography group or control group using web-based randomization table. One-half of patients will be assigned to coronary CT angiography imaging and follow-up, whereas the other half will be randomized to medical treatment and follow-up only.

When the patients are eligible for study, investigators will give information about the study and obtain written consent. The presence of chest pain symptom will be screened with Rose questionnaire. Medical history and physical examination will be performed, and baseline laboratory work-up will be performed. Investigators will evaluate the status of diabetic complication (retinopathy/nephropathy/cardiac autonomic neuropathy).