New Technique Reduces Radiation in Coronary CT Scan
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Berkeley Heights, NJ -- A computed tomography (CT) scan is a noninvasive radiology test physicians use to diagnose medical conditions. Coronary computed tomograph angiography (CCTA) is a type of CT scan used for diagnosing cardiac disease, especially blockages of the coronary arteries. Despite their advantages, recent concerns have emerged about the safety of CCTA because of radiation levels it generates. Some data show exposure equivalent to 600 chest X-rays in certain cases.
To address these concerns, Summit Medical Group Imaging/Radiology has upgraded to a new cardiac CT technique called prospective gating that can lower radiation exposure by 50 percent to 80 percent compared with previous imaging protocols. The reduction in radiation does not affect the quality of the image. "Although a CCTA still involves some radiation exposure, we believe that the valuable information obtained in an appropriately selected patient balances the risk, especially with the new low-dose protocol," says Summit Medical Group cardiologist Daniel Schwartz, MD, FACC, FACP.
CCTA is an excellent test for patients with an intermediate likelihood of coronary obstruction based on clinical evaluation and other noninvasive diagnostics such as stress testing. A favorable CTA scan can often safely eliminate the need for an invasive coronary angiogram, which has been the traditional method and current gold standard for evaluating coronary obstructions. "Lower CTA dose also is an important consideration for women age 45 years and younger as well as pediatric patients. With any woman under age 45, the breast is biosensitive, so you really need to pay close attention," says Dr. Schwartz.
Now, with the new protocol reducing radiation during CCTA, the test is even safer and potentially more useful because it is likely to be more widely used. For these reasons, the future of CCTA is bright.
