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.

Billionaire ‘Shark Tank’ investor Mark Cuban promotes CT colonography to millions of followers

The message has since drawn more than 1,700 likes and attention from members of the specialty, including the American College of Radiology.

Exploring rare potential harms from low-dose CT lung cancer screening to aid decision making

Philadelphia physicians sought to understand any LDCT downsides through a prospective study, sharing their findings in the Annals of Thoracic Surgery.

Unsupervised artificial intelligence predicts COVID-19 progression, survival rates based on CT scans

Mass General scientists believe their AI system could address further facets of the pandemic and other diseases manifested in medical images.

ACR releases new guidance to help radiologists manage incidental lung findings on CT scans

The 13-page white paper touches on everything from specific findings and reporting terms, to balancing a patients' risk and benefits.

Mobile stroke units improve patient outcomes, reduce risk of disability

Researchers tracked data from more than 1,000 patients who received care from 2014 to 2020.

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.

AI spots dozens of missed incidental pulmonary embolism diagnoses at one hospital

The investigation was retrospective, but Duke scientists believe their algorithm could potentially aid radiologists in spotting near-misses in their work.

Cigna stops requiring prior authorization for certain CT imaging exams

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

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.