Recommendations for standardization of EBT and MSCT scanning

Background: The detection and quantification of coronary calcifications by electron beam tomography (EBT) permits to diagnose coronary atherosclerosis in an early stage. Initial reports indicate that multislice spiral CT (MSC T) also permits the quantification of coronary calcium, while equivalency t o EBT has not been definitely proven. Since image acquisition, reconstructi on and evaluation parameters influence the results of calcium quantificatio n with CT techniques, standardization of the investigation is mandatory to make results comparable. Aim: The article summarizes guidelines for image acquisition and evaluation by EBT and describes guidelines and consensus reports that were issued con cerning the clinical use of the method.