SCCT guidelines on radiation dose and dose-optimization strategies in cardiovascular CT

Noninvasive imaging with cardiovascular CT has rapidly evolved over the past several years, with improvements in both hardware and software image acquistion techniques. Radiation dose reduction has been a central focus of many of the advancements in the field. The Society of Cardiovascalar Computed Tomography recently formed a Radiation Committee to develop evidence-based information statements to guide CT imagers on critical topics in the areas of radiation dosimetry, projected cancer risk, appropriate test indications, and techniques to reduce radiation exposure in patient referred for cardiovascular CT. An important concept in this document is the focus not only on radiation doses reduction but also on the clinical benefit of knowledge acquired that may aid in improving therapeutic decision making and may lead to superior patient outcomes. Highlighted topics within this information statement include different scanner acquisition modes and parameter settings, predictors of radiation dose, algorithms for dose reduction in clinical practice, and dose monitoring.