Andrew J. Einstein

TL;DR: Estimates derived from simulation models suggest that use of 64-slice CTCA is associated with a nonnegligible LAR of cancer, which varies markedly and is considerably greater for women, younger patients, and for combined cardiac and aortic scans.

TL;DR: Imaging procedures are an important source of exposure to ionizing radiation in the United States and can result in high cumulative effective doses of radiation, which increased with advancing age and were higher in women than in men.

TL;DR: The comparable diagnostic image quality of CCTA may support an increased use of dose-saving strategies in adequately selected patients and effective strategies to reduce radiation dose are available but some strategies are not frequently used.

TL;DR: An appropriate use review of common clinical scenarios where cardiac computed tomography (CCT) is frequently considered found use of CCT angiography for diagnosis and risk assessment in patients with low or intermediate risk or pretest probability for coronary artery disease (CAD) was viewed favorably, whereas testing in high-risk patients, routine repeat testing, and general screening in certain clinical scenarios were viewed less favorably.

TL;DR: Physicians ordering and performing cardiac imaging should be very familiar with the dosage of radiation from cardiac diagnostic tests and ways in which dose can be minimized, including nuclear scintigraphy, CT for calcium scoring and coronary angiography (CTCA), and conventional coronary angIography (CCA).