Training and competence in cardiac CT

Chapter 4.1 European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging certification standards in cardiac CT


Andrea Baggiano



Teaching points



• The benefits of European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging cardiac CT certification include:



• ensuring the physician performing the scan has the necessary expertise in cardiac CT, ensuring patient welfare;


• providing cardiac CT trainees with the opportunity to benchmark their knowledge against a common European standard;


• the professional credibility of any individual practicing cardiac CT.


Competency levels



• Level 1: an understanding of the basic principles, indications, applications, and technical limitations of cardiac CT. Level 1 competency does not qualify a trainee to perform or interpret cardiac CT studies independently.


• Level 2: a minimum requirement to report cardiac CT studies individually. Fulfils the requirement of subspecialty training in cardiac imaging, as set out in the European Society of Cardiology curricula.


• Level 3: practitioners can independently acquire and interpret scans, review pre-reported exams, and train others.


Level 2 and 3 prerequisites


The applying candidate must:



• be a physician;


• have sat and passed the European cardiac CT exam;


• have completed the training and competency for levels 2 or 3, or have completed a comparable certification within an internationally recognized certification programme;


• have completed 30 credits (level 2) and 50 credits (level 3) of continuing medical education specifically related to cardiac CT.


European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging cardiac CT core syllabus



• The European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) cardiac CT core syllabus contains the educational requirements for individuals who wish to practice cardiac CT.


• It helps trainees prepare for knowledge-based assessments and European certification.


• The content of the EACVI cardiac CT certification exam is based on the current EACVI cardiac CT syllabus.


General standards of training


All trainees, irrespective of their subspecialty and level of competency, must:



• know the indications and contraindications for appropriate cardiac CT patient referral;


• understand the principles of cardiac CT scan acquisition techniques, electrocardiogram synchronization, and dose-saving algorithms;


• display and interpret cardiac CT images in the clinical context;


• be aware of the side effects of contrast media and radiation risks to patients and personnel.

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Aug 22, 2023 | Posted by in CARDIOLOGY | Comments Off on Training and competence in cardiac CT

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