Coronary CT angiography (CTA) is a powerful, relatively novel radiographic technique enabled by faster scanners. However, it is not simple and requires thorough understanding of several scanning methods and their repercussions on image quality and patient dose. Utilizing proper scanning mode can be challenging for an inexperienced cardiac team. The aim of our study was to assess the impact of a short dedicated center training (DCT) on scanning mode selection and patient dose.

Vendor provided education on cardiac imaging was organized in July and September 2015 during 4 days at UHC Rijeka, Croatia. Inexperienced cardio team (radiologist and radiographer) then spent 5 days during September 2016 in a dedicated training center at UMC Maastricht, Netherlands. We retrospectively collected data from patients who underwent coronary CTA for coronary artery disease evaluation at our institution between 18th September 2015 and 6th May 2016. All the studies were performed on Siemens Dual-source Somatom Definition Flash CT. Patients were premedicated with nitroglycerin...

Total of 123 patients were included in the study, 74 females and 49 males. Average age was 62 years (range 19-68 years). Before DCT 87%(74/85) of coronary CTA studies were done using retrospective helical mode compared to 10%(4/38) after DCT (p=0.000). After DCT ECG triggered prospective high-pitch helical and prospective axial modes were used in 58%(22/38) and 32%(12/38), respectively, compared to 7%(6/85) and 6%(5/85) before the training. This resulted in a significant patient dose reduction: average DLP in the group before DCT was 914.53mGycm (SD=619.1;...

Short dedicated center training of an inexperienced cardio team results in appropriate scanning mode selection and significant patient dose reduction and is therefore preferred over onsite training alone.

Halliburton, Sandra S., et al. "SCCT guidelines on radiation dose and dose-optimization strategies in cardiovascular CT."Journal of cardiovascular computed tomography5.4 (2011): 198-224.