Physics background and radiation exposure

Abstract

This chapter outlines the physical background of cardiac CT and different scanning approaches including aspects of radiation exposure. Several measures are instrumental for reducing radiation exposure from cardiac CT: Prospective ECG triggering of acquisitions, short scan lengths, reduction of tube voltage as much as feasible, and individual adjustment of tube current to each patient. Raw-data-based iterative reconstruction has potential to improve image quality, which can be used to reduce radiation output.