Global Variations in Patient Radiation Exposure for Coronary Artery Disease Diagnosis: A Synthesized Review of the INCAPS 4 Findings

The INCAPS 4 study reveals significant global disparities in radiation dose for noninvasive coronary artery disease (CAD) imaging, with median doses for CCTA being particularly high in low-income regions.
Nuclear cardiology (SPECT and PET) generally achieves higher adherence to guideline-recommended dose limits (≤9 mSv) compared to CCTA.
An inverse relationship exists between a country’s income level and the patient radiation dose, with the highest exposures observed in Africa and Latin America.
The findings emphasize a critical global need for modernized equipment, standardized protocols, and specialized training to ensure diagnostic quality without excessive radiation risk.

This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.

The INCAPS 4 study reveals significant global disparities in radiation dose for noninvasive coronary artery disease (CAD) imaging, with median doses for CCTA being particularly high in low-income regions.
Nuclear cardiology (SPECT and PET) generally achieves higher adherence to guideline-recommended dose limits (≤9 mSv) compared to CCTA.
An inverse relationship exists between a country’s income level and the patient radiation dose, with the highest exposures observed in Africa and Latin America.
The findings emphasize a critical global need for modernized equipment, standardized protocols, and specialized training to ensure diagnostic quality without excessive radiation risk.

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