Cardiac CT: Global Use and Comparison of International Guidelines

Purpose of Review There has been an exponential growth in cardiovascular imaging resulting in the requirement for guidance and appropriateness criteria. The first appropriateness criteria for cardiac CT were published in 2006 and since numerous national and international societies have published guidance specific to their country, population and health economy. These guidelines have been through multiple iterations in response to large trials in cardiac CT. This paper aims to review and compare these guidelines specifically with respect to the performing and reporting of cardiovascular CT and on the use of cardiac CT in the investigation of suspected asymptomatic coronary artery disease, stable coronary artery disease and acute coronary syndrome. The global use of cardiac CT in comparison to other non-invasive imaging modalities will also be considered.