OVERVIEW

Morphological and Spectral Photon Counting Cardiac CT (Basic) is organized by Unilabs Academy and will be held from Dec 16 - 18, 2026.

Description:
This comprehensive online mini-fellowship is designed for radiologists, cardiologists, and imaging professionals eager to understand the basics of morphological and spectral cardiac photon counting computed tomography (PCCT). The course will introduce participants to the latest advancements in cardiac imaging using photon-counting technology, which promises enhanced spatial resolution, material decomposition, and reduced radiation exposure.

The program begins with an introduction to the fundamentals of photon counting detectors, explaining how they differ from conventional energy-integrating detectors and their benefits for cardiac imaging. Participants will explore the morphological aspects of cardiac PCCT, focusing on accurate visualization of cardiac structures such as the coronary arteries, myocardium, and heart valves.

The second part of the fellowship will cover the spectral capabilities of PCCT. Learners will understand how multi-energy imaging can improve tissue characterization, plaque analysis, and differentiation of materials like calcium and contrast agents. Practical case studies will allow attendees to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.

Throughout the course, participants will have access to interactive virtual labs for hands-on experience, guided by an expert. By the end of the fellowship, learners will be equipped with the basic knowledge to begin integrating cardiac photon counting CT into their clinical practice.

Unilabs Academy online fellowships are held in a virtual classroom environment on Zoom. You are encouraged to engage in discussions making use of their camera and microphone to recreate the face-to-face experience. Online sessions are recorded so that you can review them on your own time following the training. In this small group environment among your peers, you are free to ask questions, make mistakes, and learn together with the support of the radiologist mentor.

Learning Objectives:

Understand the fundamentals of photon counting CT (PCCT) and its key differences from conventional CT, particularly in the context of cardiac imaging.
Explain the principles of photon counting detectors and their role in enhancing image quality, spatial resolution, and material discrimination.
Describe the morphological applications of PCCT in cardiac imaging, including detailed visualization of the coronary arteries, myocardium, and heart valves.
Interpret spectral imaging techniques in PCCT and how multi-energy data can be used for improved tissue characterization and material differentiation (e.g., calcium, fat, contrast agents).
Identify the advantages of PCCT in reducing radiation exposure while maintaining diagnostic accuracy in cardiac imaging.
Apply the concepts learned to basic clinical cases, understanding the diagnostic workflow and decision-making process using PCCT.
Recognize the potential clinical applications of PCCT in coronary artery disease, plaque composition analysis, and myocardial perfusion imaging.
Engage in interactive virtual labs to practice interpreting PCCT data and develop hands-on experience with the new technology.
Prepare to integrate photon counting cardiac CT into clinical practice by recognizing the steps needed for practical implementation and workflow optimization.

Programme will include:

Didactic Sessions:
Introduction to Photon Counting CT: Basic principles, radiation safety, and image acquisition.
Cardiac CT with PCCT and modulation of different ranges of protocols and applications.
Hands-on Training:
Practical experience in cardiac PCCT interpretation.
Supervised sessions reviewing real-world clinical cases.
Post-processing techniques: Plaque analysis, stent evaluation, and advanced 3D imaging.
Case Review & Reporting:
In-depth case discussions, review of complex cases, and interpretation pitfalls.
Report generation with structured reporting formats for cardiac CT.
CME certificate

Level:
Level III - Subspecialisation Training
This fellowship is ideal for general radiologists, Cardiologists and operators who curious about what is PCCT and what PCCT can bring in Cardiac Imaging; also to any skilled operator in Cardiac CT who want to understand this new technology; also to users of PCCT who want to start doing Cardiac Imaging.