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Patient dose in cardiac computed tomography
1Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. mccollough.cynthia@mayo.edu
Herz
|March 5, 2003
Summary
Physicians need to understand radiation doses from cardiac CT scans. This article explains dose quantities and provides estimates for coronary artery calcium imaging and angiography using electron beam CT (EBCT) and multi-detector row CT (MDCT).
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Radiation Dosimetry
Background:
- Cardiac CT imaging is increasingly common.
- Physicians may lack awareness of radiation doses from these procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define key radiation dose quantities for CT examinations.
- To provide radiation dose estimates for specific cardiac CT procedures.
Main Methods:
- Review of fundamental radiation dose metrics.
- Estimation of doses for coronary artery calcium imaging and angiography.
- Comparison of doses between electron beam CT (EBCT) and multi-detector row CT (MDCT) systems.
Main Results:
- Fundamental dose quantities relevant to CT were described.
- Radiation dose estimates were provided for EBCT and MDCT coronary artery calcium imaging and angiography.
Conclusions:
- Understanding cardiac CT radiation doses is crucial for safe practice.
- Dose estimation aids in informed decision-making for CT examinations.