SCCT 2020 Board Review On Demand (Videos)

Comprehensive Guide to Cardiovascular CT Course: A Deep Dive into Heart Imaging Techniques

This comprehensive course offers an in-depth exploration of cardiovascular CT, equipping you with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the field. Designed to prepare you for certification exams, the course covers a wide range of topics essential for advanced cardiovascular imaging.

Day 1: Fundamentals and Essential Principles

• CT Fundamentals (Basic Principles and Scan Modes): Embark on an exploration of the fundamental concepts of CT imaging, including principles of image acquisition, various scan modes, and the optimization of imaging parameters for optimal cardiac imaging.

• Scan Acquisition and Protocols: Master the art of scan acquisition, delving into the intricacies of scan planning, contrast media administration, and patient positioning. Explore protocols for various clinical scenarios, ensuring accurate and reliable image acquisition.

• Appropriate Patient Selection and Preparation: Understand the critical aspects of patient selection and preparation, considering factors such as clinical presentation, patient history, and potential contraindications. Optimize patient preparation to minimize artifacts and ensure optimal image quality.

• Image Reconstruction, Post-Processing, and Artifacts: Discover the complexities of image reconstruction algorithms and their impact on image quality. Learn techniques for post-processing, artifact recognition, and correction, enabling the accurate interpretation of cardiovascular CT images.

• Radiation and Radiation Safety: Delve into the principles of radiation physics and its application in cardiovascular CT. Understand the safety protocols, patient dosimetry, and radiation protection measures to ensure safe and ethical imaging practices.

Day 2: Advanced Cardiovascular CT Applications

• Coronary Calcium and Aortic Valve Calcium (Methods, Diagnosis, and Prognosis): Explore the role of cardiovascular CT in the detection and quantification of coronary calcium and aortic valve calcification. Learn about the significance of these markers in assessing cardiovascular risk and guiding patient management.

• Non-Cardiac Anatomy and Pathology (Aorta, Lungs, and Mediastinum): Expand your understanding of cardiovascular CT beyond the heart. Examine the evaluation of the thoracic aorta, pulmonary arteries, and mediastinum, identifying common pathologies and their implications for patient care.

• Coronary CTA I (Anatomy, Variations, and Anomalies): Gain an in-depth understanding of coronary artery anatomy and its variations. Identify common anomalies and interpret complex coronary artery anatomy, enhancing your ability to diagnose and manage coronary artery disease.

• Coronary CTA II (Coronary Disease, Stents, and Grafts): Master the techniques for detecting and characterizing coronary artery disease using CT angiography. Evaluate stents and bypass grafts, assessing their patency, integrity, and potential complications.

• Non-Coronary Cardiac I (Myocardium, Masses, and Congenital Heart Disease): Explore the assessment of non-coronary cardiac structures, including the myocardium, cardiac masses, and congenital heart defects. Learn about the diagnostic criteria, clinical implications, and appropriate management strategies.

• Non-Coronary Cardiac II (Valves and Pericardium): Deepen your knowledge of the evaluation of cardiac valves and pericardium using CT angiography. Recognize normal anatomical variations, identify pathological conditions, and understand the impact on patient outcomes.

• Intervention Structural Heart Disease (TAVR, TMVR, and LAA Closure): Gain insights into the rapidly evolving field of interventional structural heart disease. Learn about the indications, techniques, and outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR), and left atrial appendage (LAA) closure.

• Functional Assessment of CAD: Explore the use of cardiovascular CT for assessing coronary artery disease (CAD) in a functional context. Understand advanced techniques such as CT perfusion and fractional flow reserve (FFR) CT, which provide valuable information for guiding patient management and optimizing outcomes.