The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) requires a Computed Tomography Reading Center (CTRC) as part of the renewal of the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study. CARDIA is a longitudinal cohort study designed to assess the development of cardiovascular disease risk factors in men and women initially aged 18-30 years in four U.S. communities. In its Year 20 examination, the study will assess subclinical atherosclerosis using multiple methods including a coronary computed tomography (CT) scan. The main goal of the study renewal is to identify risk factors for and assess racial differences in the development and progression of subclinical atherosclerosis. The CTRC will coordinate, at the direction of the Steering Committee and in collaboration with CARDIA Coordinating Center and Field Centers in accordance with the study design, the development of protocols for CT scanning at each Field Center and for reading and information abstraction to assess coronary calcium at the Reading Center. The CTRC will train, certify, and monitor performance of Field Center scanning technicians and CT readers at the Reading Center. The CTRC will conduct a pilot test of the CT protocols during the Year 20 pilot testing phase, in collaboration with Field Centers and the Coordinating Center. The CTRC will perform readings and information abstractions of CT measurements on approximately 3,600 studies, including studies from the reproducibility study, pilot phase, the 12-month examination period (June 1, 2005 to May 31, 2006), and rereads for quality control during the examination. The CTRC will participate in various other activities including participating in the Steering Committee, Imaging Committee, and other subcommittees as necessary, and participating in data analysis and preparation of reports and manuscripts using the CT data. There will be one award. The period of performance is anticipated for four years, nine months beginning in March 2004. The Request for Proposal (RFP) NHLBI-HC-04-05 will be available on or about November 1, 2002 with proposals due January 27, 2003.URL http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/funding/inits/index.htm

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