How Much Radiation Is Associated with Cardiac CT Angiography?

Overall, somewhat higher than that of an abdominal/pelvic CT scan, but with more than fourfold variation across study sites

Cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) has been adopted rapidly in many practices. However, concerns have been raised about diagnostic accuracy and potentially harmful radiation exposure. In a recent multicenter trial, investigators addressed the accuracy issue (relative to invasive coronary angiography; JW Dec 24 2008). Now, in an observational study, researchers assessed the magnitude of CCTA radiation exposure at 50 sites worldwide during more than 1900 CCTA examinations; most exams were performed to evaluate coronary vessels (82%) or bypass grafts (12%).

The median effective dose for CCTA across all sites was 12 millisieverts (mSv); however, the dose range across sites was wide (5 mSv–30 mSv). When specific radiation dose–saving …

Reviewing Author

Jamaluddin Moloo, MD, MPH

Disclosures

Grant / Research supportColorado Health Foundation

Jamaluddin Moloo, MD, MPH

Disclosures

Grant / Research supportColorado Health Foundation