[Useful tips for CT-angiography]

Multidetector CT scanners are now available in most hospitals; this technology makes it possible to perform cardiac studies. The technique depends on the technology, and certain points must be taken into consideration to improve the results of cardiac studies. We discuss four key points for ensuring high-quality multidetector CT studies. Under the heading patient preparation, we include deciding whether to use beta blockers, aspects related to the routine use of vasodilators, some guidelines for patient breath holding, etc. The next section discusses imaging acquisition, including when to use multisegmentation or even the possibility of prospective acquisition to reduce the dose of radiation. The third point deals with contrast administration to achieve good enhancement of the vessels. The last section reviews postprocessing techniques and comments on possible errors in 3D reconstructions or the need to render reconstructions of the entire thorax to rule out other diseases.