Coronary CTA using scout-based automated tube potential and current selection algorithm, with breast displacement results in lower radiation exposure in females compared to males

Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) has been described with continually decreasing radiation exposures, through various innovations (1-3). Radiation exposure in women is known to pose higher risks than in men and hence warrants increased caution (4). A primary driver of radiation risk to women undergoing CCTA is the highly radiosensitive female breasts, which are usually included in the z-axis range of scanning despite being a “non-target organ”. The importance of radiation exposure to female patients is reflected in the International Commission of Radiation Protection (ICRP)’s decision to increase the recommended breast tissue-weighting factor from 0.05 mSv/mGy/cm in 1990 to 0.12 mSv/mGy/cm in 2007