Cardiac Computed Tomography
Advances in noninvasive imaging have made Cardiac Computed Tomography (Cardiac CT) a central tool for evaluating coronary artery disease, structural heart abnormalities, and pre-procedural anatomy. This session explores how high-resolution CT scanning can characterize coronary plaque, assess luminal stenosis, and identify extracardiac findings that influence cardiovascular risk. Participants will revisit core scanner physics, contrast protocols, and heart rate control strategies, then move into real-world decision-making around when Cardiac CT offers clear advantages over other tests. The goal is to help clinicians interpret studies confidently and embed CT into streamlined diagnostic pathways for chest pain, risk evaluation, and structural interventions.
Growing demand from clinicians searching for a cardiology conference reflects the need to understand both the strengths and limitations of this modality. This session reviews contemporary chest pain evaluation strategies that place Cardiac CT near the front of the diagnostic algorithm, especially for low-to-intermediate risk patients. Attendees will learn how to interpret luminal stenosis, distinguish calcified from non-calcified plaque, and understand the prognostic impact of high-risk plaque features. Practical considerations—including radiation dose reduction, contrast nephropathy prevention, and heart rate control—are woven into case-based discussions to mirror daily practice.
A major focus is the role of coronary CT angiography in guiding downstream management. Participants will see how CT findings can rule out obstructive disease, avoid unnecessary invasive angiography, and inform targeted medical therapy or revascularization. The session also highlights specialized applications such as pre-TAVR planning, pulmonary vein anatomy assessment, coronary anomaly evaluation, and imaging in congenital heart disease. Emphasis is placed on multidisciplinary collaboration between cardiologists, radiologists, technologists, and referring clinicians to ensure reports answer the clinical question clearly.
The session concludes by exploring emerging frontiers: CT-derived fractional flow reserve, quantitative plaque analysis, and integration of artificial intelligence into image post-processing. Attendees will consider how structured reporting, standardized terminology, and quality metrics can elevate the value of each scan. By the end, participants will be equipped with a practical framework for when and how to use Cardiac CT, how to explain results to patients, and how to integrate findings into individualized treatment plans.
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Optimizing Image Acquisition
- Mastering patient preparation, heart rate control, and contrast timing to achieve high-quality scans.
- Understanding scanner parameters and reconstruction techniques that balance image clarity with radiation safety.
Coronary Anatomy and Plaque Characterization
- Recognizing stenosis severity, plaque composition, and high-risk features such as positive remodeling.
- Linking plaque patterns to future event risk and the need for intensified prevention strategies.
Beyond the Coronaries
- Using Cardiac CT to evaluate cardiac chambers, valves, pulmonary veins, and great vessels.
- Identifying extracardiac findings in lungs and mediastinum that may alter management.
Integrating CT Into Clinical Pathways
- Positioning Cardiac CT as a gatekeeper test in chest pain and structural heart algorithms.
- Coordinating workflows with radiology and cardiology services for rapid, actionable reporting.
Practice and Patient Benefits
Faster, More Accurate Chest Pain Evaluation
High negative predictive value reduces unnecessary admissions and invasive angiography.
Improved Risk Stratification
Plaque characterization informs the intensity of medical therapy and follow-up.
Enhanced Structural Heart Planning
Detailed anatomy supports safer transcatheter and surgical interventions.
Better Patient Communication
Visual images help patients understand disease presence, severity, and treatment rationale.
Efficient Use of Resources
Appropriate deployment of Cardiac CT streamlines diagnostic workups and reduces duplication.
Foundation for Future Innovations
CT data sets support advanced analytics, including FFR-CT and AI-based risk models.
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