Scout view X-ray attenuation versus weight-based selection of reduced peak tube voltage in cardiac CT angiography.

Objectives: The study evaluated the relationship between cardiac computed tomography (CT) scout view x-ray attenuation and CT image noise compared with weight or body mass index (BMI).

Background: Decreasing peak tube voltage from 120 to 100 kVp on the basis of body size reduces radiation exposure. Methods to better predict CT image noise may lead to more effective selection of reduced tube voltage in cardiac CT.