Computed Tomography

Cardiac computed tomography (CT) has become a primary cardiovascular imaging modality in the past 20 years, and was recommended as a 1A recommendation in the 2021 chest pain assessment guidelines. CT calcium scoring has became a primary risk assessment for coronary artery disease and whether patients should be on statins. Coronary CT angiography (CCTA) is used to for anatomical assessment of the arteries for plaque burden and to identify areas of blockage that may cause ischemia and heart attacks. Additional use of contrast CT perfusion or fractional flow reserve CT (FFR-CT) can offer physiological information on the function of the heart. CT plays a primary role in structural heart assessments for heart valves, repair of congenital defects and left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) for both pre-procedure planning and procedural guidance. Find more news on general radiology CT use.

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chest pain lung pulmonary embolism

New pulmonary embolism approach could substantially reduce imaging overuse

The pretest probability score produced false-negative rates below 1% and dropped imaging use by about 20%, according to a new JAMA Cardiology study. 

Cigna

Cigna stops requiring prior authorization for certain CT imaging exams

Imaging advocates praised the policy change, which took effect on Monday, Feb. 1. 

Fasting before contrast-enhanced CT exams is unnecessary, experts say

In some instances, not eating solid foods can actually make patients feel sick, leading to nausea and dehydration, researchers explained recently.

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Offering imaging exam for free ups utilization by 546%, with key gains in underserved populations

University Hospitals Health System tested the pricing change in a bid to boost outcomes in its service area. 

MEDNAX Radiology Solutions Chief Medical Officer Presents at SCCT 2019 on New National Cardiac Centers of Excellence Program

MEDNAX, Inc. (NYSE: MD) and MEDNAX Radiology Solutions, one of the nation’s largest radiology practices, announced that Chief Medical Officer, Ricardo C. Cury, MD, FSCCT, will present at the 14th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (SCCT) at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront in Baltimore, Md. today.

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SCCT shares updated guidance on CT use during TAVI, TAVR procedures

The Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (SCCT) has issued an updated guidance for the use of CT in transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedures. The full document can be read in the Journal of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography.

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CCTA associated with reduced risk of death from coronary artery disease

Performing coronary CT angiography (CCTA) in addition to standard care is associated with a lower risk of death from coronary artery disease than standard care alone, according to research published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Example of spectral, or dual-energy CT, confirming a pulmonary embolism (PE). Image courtesy of Philips Healthcare

MRA vs CTA for evaluating pulmonary embolism: Does the chosen modality impact downstream imaging utilization?

MR angiography (MRA) is a relatively new alternative to CT angiography (CTA) for the evaluation of suspected pulmonary embolism (PE) and it even has one major advantage over CTA: it does not expose patients to ionizing radiation.

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Around the web

Cardiovascular Business
Global shortage of nuclear imaging isotopes may be over

The nuclear imaging isotope shortage of molybdenum-99 may be over now that the sidelined reactor is restarting. ASNC's president says PET and new SPECT technologies helped cardiac imaging labs better weather the storm.

Cardiovascular Business
‘A huge win’: CMS significantly increases Medicare payments for cardiac CT

CMS has more than doubled the CCTA payment rate from $175 to $357.13. The move, expected to have a significant impact on the utilization of cardiac CT, received immediate praise from imaging specialists.

Cardiovascular Business
GE HealthCare moves PET/CT scanner production to United States

The all-in-one Omni Legend PET/CT scanner is now being manufactured in a new production facility in Waukesha, Wisconsin.