Indications for Cardiac CT Imaging

Application of cardiac CT is rapidly expanding because of its excellent image resolution, rapid acquisition time, relatively low cost, widespread availability, and decreasing radiation exposure. Conversely, cardiac CT imaging does involve some risks and costs. Indications for imaging should be restricted to cases for which imaging information is associated with improved patient outcome. Clinical practice guidelines and appropriate use criteria are tasked with weighing the evidence for and against indications for imaging. This chapter summarizes recommendations from major clinical and scientific societies and outlines discrepancies along with emerging evidence from recent investigations.