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.

Annual lung cancer screening adherence drops after initial exam, underlining need for intervention
“Focusing on programmatic resources in the first follow-up period may provide a significant return on investment," experts write in JAMA Network Open.
Launching a CT colorectal cancer screening program: 4 barriers and how to overcome them
CT for CRC screening is at an “inflection point” following the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ recent decision to cover the exam, experts say.
American College of Radiology announces significant expansion of Lung Cancer Screening Registry
The ACR hopes these changes, including the addition of diagnostic performance feedback, will help reduce the number of patients with incidental nodules lost to follow-up each year.
Building a successful CCTA program: Physicians and healthcare executives to share advice
CCTA continues to grow more and more important in the day-to-day treatment of heart patients. Hospitals and health systems that fail to embrace the modality risk falling behind.
Using CT imaging to opportunistically screen for osteoporosis could save Medicare upward of $2.5B
Only about 11% to 18% of eligible patients receive recommended bone density scans, but CT images gathered for other purposes could fill this gap.

CT scan showing lung cancer nodules with measurements of each nodule to track growth or regression from treatment. Image courtesy of RSNA

ACR outlines changes in Medicare lung cancer screening coverage

The American College of Radiology recently released a detailed summary of the National Coverage Determination related to screening for lung cancer with low dose CT.

Lawsuit targets hospital system’s ‘astonishingly high’ charges for CT imaging and other care

Vidant Health has allegedly hid prices from patients, allowing it to overcharge for computed tomography exams and other common procedures, attorneys charged.

CMS expanding coverage for CT lung cancer screening, drawing imaging advocate praise

ACR and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons said they will work with the feds, medical providers and patients to implement new screening recommendations.

COVID-19 less severe among fully vaccinated patients, CT imaging study confirms

Even partially vaccinated individuals had a significantly lower risk of requiring supplemental oxygen or being admitted to the ICU, researchers detailed Tuesday in Radiology.

Wide variation in musculoskeletal imaging charges, including 74-fold difference for one CT exam

Stanford University experts analyzed price transparency data from 250 of the nation's top hospitals, sharing their work in AJR.

Hospital dramatically reduces overuse of CT liver imaging with a few targeted interventions

Loma Linda University Medical Center has strengthened ties between its radiology department, hospital administration and liver transplant team to achieve its quality goals.

Cutting CT overuse for appendicitis: 4 factors that distinguish high-performing hospitals

The role of a “radiation reduction champion," often filled by a radiologist, is pivotal to these efforts, experts wrote in the Journal of Pediatric Surgery.

Blood test helps more accurately predict which patients would benefit from CT lung cancer screening

Researchers estimate their model would pinpoint 9% additional cases for screening while also reducing unnecessary imaging referrals by 14%.

Around the web

Health Imaging

American College of Radiology announces significant expansion of Lung Cancer Screening Registry

The ACR hopes these changes, including the addition of diagnostic performance feedback, will help reduce the number of patients with incidental nodules lost to follow-up each year.

Health Imaging

AI reduces CT lung cancer screening workload by nearly 80%

And it can do so with almost 100% accuracy as a first reader, according to a new large-scale analysis.

Health Imaging

Nearly $800,000 settlement offered to family of man who died during MRI exam

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