User-Friendly Vendor-Specific Guideline for Pediatric Cardiothoracic Computed Tomography Provided by the Asian Society of Cardiovascular Imaging Congenital Heart Disease Study Group: Part 1. Imaging Techniques

Abstract

Optimal performance of pediatric cardiothoracic computed tomography (CT) is technically challenging and may need different approaches for different types of CT scanners. To meet the technical demands and improve clinical standards, a practical, user-friendly, and vendor-specific guideline for pediatric cardiothoracic CT needs to be developed for children with congenital heart disease (CHD). In this article, we have attempted to describe such guideline based on the consensus of experts in the Asian Society of Cardiovascular Imaging CHD Study Group. This first part describes the imaging techniques of pediatric cardiothoracic CT, and it includes recommendations for patient preparation, scan techniques, radiation dose, intravenous injection protocol, post-processing, and vendor-specific protocols.

Keywords: CT protocols; CT scan techniques; Child; Computed tomography; Congenital heart disease; Guideline; Intravenous injection protocols; Patient preparation; Post-processing; Radiation dose optimization.