[Rational CT imaging in cardiology]

Due to continuous technical developments computed tomography (CT) is increasingly being used for cardiac diagnostics, especially for diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD) or less commonly for evaluation of coronary artery anomalies, cardiac valves or cardiac function. Because CT exposes patients to ionizing radiation it should only be performed in patients with a clear indication. Calcium scoring for example may improve risk stratification in asymptomatic patients with an intermediate risk profile or coronary CT angiography may be used to exclude or confirm obstructive CAD in symptomatic patients at intermediate cardiovascular risk. However, other patients, such as symptomatic patients with high cardiovascular risk should not be examined using CT. Therefore, a reasonable use of CT in cardiology requires a differentiated selection of patients.