SCCT Board Review and Update of Cardiovascular CT 2021

Comprehensive Cardiac CT Board Review and Cardiovascular Computed Tomography Certification Preparation

Overview

The SCCT Board Review and Update of Cardiovascular CT 2021 is a comprehensive educational program developed by the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (SCCT) to provide physicians and cardiovascular imaging specialists with an in-depth review of cardiovascular CT principles, scanning techniques, image interpretation, and clinical applications.

Designed specifically for individuals preparing for the Certification Board of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (CBCCT) Examination and the Cardiac CT Certificate of Advanced Proficiency Examination, this course delivers a structured review of the core knowledge expected of cardiovascular CT practitioners.

Through expert-led lectures, image-based case reviews, interactive question-and-answer sessions, board-style examinations, and dedicated imaging interpretation workshops, participants gain the knowledge and skills required to confidently perform, interpret, and apply cardiac CT in modern cardiovascular practice.

The course covers everything from CT physics and scan protocols to coronary CTA, structural heart interventions, congenital heart disease, functional assessment of coronary artery disease, and advanced cardiovascular imaging techniques.

Course Specifications

Format

• Video Lectures
• Interactive Case Reviews
• Board-Style Question Sessions
• Imaging Review Workshops
• Virtual Conference Recordings

Course Dates

• June 17–18, 2021
• August 5–6, 2021

Organizer

Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography

Educational Level

Intermediate to Advanced

Focus

CBCCT Board Examination Preparation and Advanced Cardiovascular CT Education

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants should be able to:

• Understand the physical principles underlying cardiovascular CT.
• Select appropriate scan protocols for various clinical scenarios.
• Apply radiation reduction and safety techniques.
• Interpret coronary artery calcium and aortic valve calcium studies.
• Evaluate coronary artery anatomy, variants, and anomalies.
• Diagnose coronary artery disease using coronary CT angiography.
• Assess cardiac structures, masses, valves, and pericardial diseases.
• Perform cardiovascular CT evaluation for structural heart interventions.
• Interpret congenital heart disease using advanced CT imaging.
• Apply functional assessment techniques for coronary artery disease.
• Improve performance on CBCCT and advanced cardiac CT certification examinations.

Course Curriculum

Day 1 – Fundamentals of Cardiovascular CT

Welcome, Introduction and Entry Examination

Armin A. Zadeh, MD

Introduction to course objectives and assessment of baseline knowledge.

CT Fundamentals: Basic Principles and Scan Modes

Mahadevappa Mahesh, MS, PhD

Topics include:

• CT Physics
• X-Ray Generation
• Detector Technology
• Helical CT
• Prospective Gating
• Retrospective Gating
• Scan Modes

Participants develop a strong foundation in cardiac CT technology.

Scan Acquisition and Protocols

Edward P. Shapiro, MD

Topics include:

• Cardiac CT Protocol Design
• Contrast Administration
• ECG Gating
• Heart Rate Optimization
• Image Quality Enhancement

Appropriate Patient Selection and Preparation

Armin A. Zadeh, MD

Topics include:

• Indications for Cardiac CT
• Patient Selection Criteria
• Beta Blocker Administration
• Nitroglycerin Use
• Contraindications

Image Reconstruction, Post-Processing and Artifacts

Jeannie Yu, MD

Topics include:

• Multiplanar Reconstruction (MPR)
• Curved Planar Reconstruction
• Maximum Intensity Projection
• Volume Rendering
• Motion Artifacts
• Blooming Artifacts
• Beam Hardening

Radiation and Safety

Radiation and Radiation Safety

Shuai Leng, PhD

Topics include:

• Radiation Physics
• Dose Reduction Strategies
• ALARA Principles
• Patient Safety
• Occupational Safety

A critical section for board preparation and clinical practice.

Coronary Calcium Scoring

Coronary Calcium and Aortic Valve Calcium

Khurram Nasir, MD

Topics include:

• Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring
• Agatston Scoring
• Cardiovascular Risk Stratification
• Aortic Valve Calcium Assessment
• Prognostic Applications

Participants learn the role of calcium scoring in preventive cardiology.

Non-Cardiac Findings

Non-Cardiac Anatomy and Pathology

J. Jeffrey Carr, MD

Topics include:

• Thoracic Aorta
• Lung Findings
• Mediastinal Pathology
• Incidental Findings
• Clinical Significance

Day 2 – Coronary and Advanced Cardiac CT

Coronary CTA I: Anatomy, Variations and Anomalies

Michelle Williams, MD

Topics include:

• Coronary Anatomy
• Coronary Variants
• Coronary Anomalies
• Coronary Dominance
• Congenital Variations

Coronary CTA II: Coronary Disease, Stents and Grafts

Michelle Williams, MD

Topics include:

• Coronary Plaque Assessment
• Obstructive CAD
• Coronary Stents
• Bypass Graft Evaluation
• High-Risk Plaque Features

Participants learn advanced coronary CTA interpretation.

Non-Coronary Cardiac Imaging

Heart Structure and Cardiac Masses

Christopher Maroules, MD

Topics include:

• Cardiac Chambers
• Cardiac Tumors
• Thrombi
• Cardiomyopathies
• Structural Abnormalities

Valves and Pericardium

Milind Desai, MD

Topics include:

• Aortic Valve Disease
• Mitral Valve Disease
• Pericardial Disease
• Calcific Valve Disorders
• CT Assessment of Structural Pathology

Structural Heart Disease

Structural Heart Interventions

James Lee, MD

Topics include:

• TAVR Planning
• TMVR Assessment
• Left Atrial Appendage Closure
• Procedural Imaging
• Device Sizing

One of the most rapidly growing applications of cardiovascular CT.

Functional Assessment of Coronary Disease

Functional Assessment of CAD

Kavitha Chinnaiyan, MD

Topics include:

• CT Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR-CT)
• Myocardial Perfusion CT
• Ischemia Assessment
• Functional Significance of Lesions

Congenital Heart Disease

Congenital Heart Disease Imaging

Cristina Fuss, MD

Topics include:

• Adult Congenital Heart Disease
• Complex Cardiac Anatomy
• Post-Surgical Evaluation
• Congenital Defect Assessment

Interactive Learning Features

Board-Style Review Sessions

Each lecture includes:

• Audience Response Questions
• Interactive Discussions
• Board-Focused Concepts
• Practical Interpretation Tips

Dedicated Imaging Review Sessions

Participants review:

• Coronary CTA Cases
• Structural Heart Cases
• Congenital Heart Cases
• Artifact Recognition

End-of-Course Examination

A simulated testing experience designed to mirror the CBCCT certification examination.

Target Audience

Physicians

• Cardiologists
• Cardiac Imaging Specialists
• Radiologists
• Nuclear Cardiologists
• Preventive Cardiologists

Advanced Practice Providers

• Physician Assistants
• Nurse Practitioners

Trainees

• Cardiology Fellows
• Radiology Residents
• Cardiovascular Imaging Fellows

Imaging Professionals

• CT Technologists
• Cardiac Imaging Researchers

Why This Course Stands Out

Official Board Review Curriculum

Designed around the core content tested by CBCCT and advanced cardiovascular CT certification examinations.

Comprehensive Coverage

Covers every major aspect of cardiovascular CT from physics to advanced structural heart interventions.

Expert International Faculty

Features many of the world’s leading cardiovascular CT educators and researchers.

Case-Based Learning

Extensive image review sessions reinforce practical interpretation skills.

Ideal for Certification Preparation

One of the premier resources available for cardiovascular CT board review.