Cardiac Imaging

While cardiac ultrasound is the widely used imaging modality for heart assessments, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and nuclear imaging are also used and are often complimentary, each offering specific details about the heart other modalities cannot. For this reason the clinical question being asked often determines the imaging test that will be used.

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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.

SNMMI, ASNC encourage BCBS to expand coverage of cardiac PET

The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) and the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology (ASNC) submitted a letter to BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS) of Tennessee urging an expansion of cardiac PET coverage.

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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.

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Jonathan R. Lindner elected president of American Society of Echocardiography

Jonathan R. Lindner, MD, was elected president of the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) at the ASE’s 29th Annual Scientific Sessions in Nashville, Tennessee.

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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James K. Min named editor-in-chief of Journal of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography

James K. Min, MD, has been chosen to be the new editor-in-chief of the Journal of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (JCCT), the official journal of the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (SCCT). He will serve a five-year term.
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Non-hospital-based facilities offering cardiac imaging services a rarity in Massachusetts

In 2017, Anthem implemented a new policy that requires outpatient MR and CT scans not considered medically necessary to be completed at a freestanding imaging facility to receive coverage. This went into effect in several states, sparking its fair share of controversy along the way, and a team of Boston-based researchers wanted to know how such a policy could impact patient care in Massachusetts.

Vital Images Highlighting latest version of Vitrea Advanced Visualization at SCCT Scientific Meeting

MINNETONKA, Minn., June 29, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vital Images is highlighting the benefits of its Vitrea solutions as it participates in the 12th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography, July 6-9, in Washington, D.C., at booth 401.

Around the web

The patient, who was being cared for in the ICU, was not accompanied or monitored by nursing staff during his exam, despite being sedated.

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.

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.