AIM: To investigate image quality and potential for radiation dose reduction using sinogram-affirmed iterative reconstruction (SAFIRE) at computed tomography (CT) coronary angiography (CTCA) compared with filtered back-projection (FBP) reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A water phantom and 49 consecutive patients were scanned using a retrospectively electrocardiography (ECG)-gated CTCA protocol on a dual-source CT system. Image reconstructions were performed with both conventional FBP and SAFIRE. The SAFIRE series were reconstructed image data from only one tube, simulating a 50% radiation dose reduction. Two blinded observers independently assessed the image quality of each coronary segment using a four-point scale and measured image noise (the standard deviation of Hounsfield values, SD), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). Radiation dose estimates were calculated. RESULTS: In the water phantom, image noise decreased at the same ratio as the tube current increased for both reconstruction algorithms. Despite an estimated radiation dose reduction from 7.9 +/- 2.8 to 4 +/- 1.4 mSv, there was no significant difference in the SD and SNR within the aortic root and left ventricular chamber between the two reconstruction methods. There was also no significant difference in the image quality between the FBP and SAFIRE series. CONCLUSION: Compared with traditional FBP, there is potential for substantial radiation dose reduction at CTCA with use of SAFIRE, while maintaining similar diagnostic image quality. (C) 2012 The Royal College of Radiologists. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.