title: Considerations when introducing a new cardiac MDCT service. Avoiding the pitfalls.
abstract: The widespread introduction of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) into mainstream imaging departments has enabled many centres to undertake cardiac MDCT and, in particular, MDCT coronary angiography. This review highlights the areas that need consideration when introducing a new cardiac MDCT service and covers both technical and non-technical aspects. This includes equipment requirements, personnel, training, patient selection and preparation, cardiac CT protocols and post-processing techniques, and potential pitfalls.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK; Department of Cardiology, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK. e.nicol@rbht.nhs.uk
authors.forename: E D
authors.initials: ED
authors.lastname: Nicol
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Arcuri
authors.forename: M B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Rubens
authors.forename: S P G
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Padley
mesh_terms: D016477:Artifacts; D003287:Contrast Media; D017023:Coronary Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D003954:Diagnostic Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004562:Electrocardiography; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media