Reducing Radiation Exposure from Cardiac Computed Tomography

A coordinated quality-improvement initiative produced impressive results.

The use of cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) — an accurate, noninvasive diagnostic technique — continues to spread, yet the associated radiation exposure is an ongoing concern. These investigators sought to determine whether a collaborative radiation dose-reduction protocol might decrease radiation exposure in patients undergoing CCTA.

The prospective, controlled, nonrandomized study included nearly 5000 patients undergoing CCTA at 15 hospitals participating in the Advanced Cardiovascular Imaging Consortium in Michigan during a control period from July to August 2007, an intervention period from September 2007 to April 2008, and a follow-up period from May to June 2008. For the intervention period, a consulting team created a be…

Reviewing Author

JoAnne M. Foody, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardAegerion; Amarin; Bristol-Myers Squibb; Janssen; Merck; Pfizer; Sanofi-Aventis; Boehringer Ingelheim

Leadership positions in professional societiesAmerican College of Cardiology, Cardiosmart (Co-chair)

JoAnne M. Foody, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardAegerion; Amarin; Bristol-Myers Squibb; Janssen; Merck; Pfizer; Sanofi-Aventis; Boehringer Ingelheim

Leadership positions in professional societiesAmerican College of Cardiology, Cardiosmart (Co-chair)