Applying artificial intelligence to CT scans for personalised coronary heart disease care

Doctor Sarang Paleri, Monash University

Postgraduate Scholarship

Years funded: 2026 - 2028

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death in Australia. The underlying disease process in CHD is fatty plaque build-up in the coronary arteries, and the risk of heart attack or death increases with the amount of plaque. CT scans are a low-radiation test routinely used to assess for CHD. New and advanced methods have emerged for measuring the total amount of coronary plaque in the entire heart on CT scans, powered by artificial intelligence (AI). In a prior landmark study, our team helped develop an innovative AI-powered solution for measuring plaque which is rapid, accurate, and can predict future heart attacks. The current proposal will, for the first time, apply this AI-powered solution in a randomised clinical trial to guide personalised testing and treatment of patients with CHD. This trial will include a control group of CHD patients receiving usual care. We will assess for within-patient changes in the total amount of plaque on CT scans after two years in both groups, which will be compared to each other. We will also evaluate the impact of the AI-guided care pathway on CHD diagnosis, downstream testing and procedures, and clinician confidence. Herein we propose a new model of precision care for patients with CHD which focuses on plaque buildup as the primary disease target. By using a patient-specific and objective approach for measuring plaque, we aim to personalise therapy selection and modification; that is, to help clinicians choose the “right treatment for the right patient at the right time”.