Computed Tomography

Computed tomography (CT) is a fast and accurate imaging modality often used in emergency settings and trauma imaging. CT scans, with or without (or both) iodinated contrast are frequently used to image the brain, chest, abdomen and pelvis, but also have post-imaging reconstructive capabilities for detailed orthopedic imaging. It is now a standard imaging modality in emergency rooms to quickly assess patients. CT uses a series of X-ray images shot as the gantry rotates around the patient. Computer technology assembles these into into a dataset volume than can be slices on any access, or advanced visualization software can extract specific parts of the anatomy for study. Find more content specific to cardiac CT.

Radiologists meet with CMS to press for coverage of crucial CT screening exam
Staffers with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services were "attentive to the discussion and requested supporting documentation," ACR reported.
A significant amount of imaging orders in emergency settings are inappropriate
A general lack of awareness pertaining to ACR appropriateness criteria could be a driving factor behind the misguided requisitions, authors of a new analysis suggest.
IAEA: When selecting medical imaging equipment, don’t assume ‘new’ means ‘low dose’
Advanced imaging equipment using ionizing radiation enters the global market at the rate of one new technology every five years.
Stroke patient sues radiology practice claiming negligence led to her fall from a CT scanner
Monica Lynch accuses Midstate Radiology Associates of failing to secure her to the scanner table and ignoring her needs during an examination.
Medicare drops AUC requirement for advanced imaging, ASNC celebrates
"This was an unneeded burden, which was solely adding to the administrative hassles of medicine," said American Society of Nuclear Cardiology President Larry Phillips.

‘Virtual colonoscopy’ still struggling for mindshare

Two-thirds of U.S. adults eligible to get screened for colorectal cancer have recently completed an exam, but only 1.4% of them opted for CT colonography over optical colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy.

April 29, 2022

Statin reduces risk for non-obstructive CAD patients but no significant risk reduction for aspirin

The results of a study published in Radiology: Cardiothoracic Imaging call into question the value of initiating aspirin therapy in certain instances.

April 29, 2022

Heartflow FFR-CT allows noninvasive assessment of a patient'c coronary arteries without the need for a diagnostic angiogram.

VIDEO: HeartFlow FFR-CT sees increased interest after inclusion in the 2021 Chest Pain Guidelines

HeartFlow’s non-invasive cardiac computed tomography derived fractional flow reserve (FFR-CT) technology enables FFR values for the entire coronary tree of a patient using just a CT scan. This can show the significance of any coronary plaque lesions and if a patient needs to be sent to the cath lab for revascularization, or if they can be treated medically.

April 28, 2022

Imaging shows COVID vaccines effective at warding off pulmonary embolism

Researchers have found the condition significantly less among patients who received at least two doses of a COVID vaccine.

April 27, 2022

AI aids coma prognostics, potentially averting withdrawal of care

Deep learning has bested experienced neurosurgeons at predicting poor outcomes, including mortality, among patients admitted comatose with severe traumatic brain injuries.

April 26, 2022

Ischemic stroke CT scan showing color coded blood flow for early and later arterial and venous contrast phases and areas of blocked blood flow. Image courtesy of RSNA

Disparities evident as CT stroke imaging rises sharply over 7-year period

Utilization of head CT perfusion (CTP) for imaging stroke patients spiked 428% between 2012 and 2019. Curiously, the uptrend was associated with higher mortality up to a year after discharge.

April 25, 2022

Radiology imaging of two wounded civilians with bullet and shrapnel embedded in tissue. Left is a digital X-ray of a patient with shrapnel in the chest and a bullet in the leg who was brought to the National Children's Specialized Hospital in Kyiv. Right, a 3D CT scan reconstruction of a bullet in the chest of a 40-year-old father who as attempting to evaculate his wife and child from the Russian advance near Kyiv when the Russians opened fire on him. Image from the Ukraine Heart Institute in Kyiv.

Radiologists in Ukraine helping the war effort as Russia continues to attack

Many radiologists stepped up to do their part for the war effort by staying at their hospital posts and helping the wounded as they started coming in.

April 22, 2022

Cardiac computed tomography (CCT) is an accurate, noninvasive imaging test that should be a first-line tool when treating patients with obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD), rather than cath lab angiography angiograms, according to new findings published in the New England Journal of Medicine.[1]

Why cardiologists and radiologists are choosing cardiac CT over invasive angiography for suspected CAD

"A CT-first strategy allows physicians to provide relevant findings without the need for an invasive procedure," one radiologist explained.

April 20, 2022

Around the web

Cardiovascular Business

Medicare drops AUC requirement for advanced imaging, ASNC celebrates

"This was an unneeded burden, which was solely adding to the administrative hassles of medicine," said American Society of Nuclear Cardiology President Larry Phillips.

Cardiovascular Business

Cardiology, radiology groups urge insurance provider to rethink imaging policy

SCAI and four other major healthcare organizations signed a joint letter in support of intravascular ultrasound.

Cardiovascular Business

Radiology AI company gains FDA clearance for new CT offerings focused on PE, stroke

The newly approved AI models are designed to improve the detection of pulmonary embolisms and strokes in patients who undergo CT scans.