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.

Providers blunt skyrocketing use of CT for pulmonary embolism, but numbers still climbing

CTPA delivery leapt 450% between 2004 and 2016, but efforts from Choosing Wisely and others may have made a dent, experts detailed in JAMA Network Open.

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.

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.

Smart shopping: Chicago orthopedic practice knows the value of a good service contract when investing in imaging equipment

Sponsored by Hitachi Healthcare Americas

The Illinois Bone and Joint Institute (IBJI) treats patients in the Chicago area for every orthopedic issue under the sun, from rheumatoid arthritis to total knee replacements, and its 100-plus physicians order thousands of imaging exams on an annual basis.

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.

FUJIFILM ANNOUNCES ENTRY INTO U.S. COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY MARKET WITH UNVEILING OF FCT EMBRACE AT ASTRO 2018

STAMFORD, Conn.—FUJIFILM Medical Systems U.S.A., Inc., a leading provider of diagnostic imaging and medical informatics solutions, today introduced the FCT Embrace. Powered by Analogic, the FCT Embrace is the world’s first 85cm wide bore computed tomography (CT) imaging unitwith 64 or 128 slice configurations. Optimized for both oncology and radiology applications, the FCT Embrace, combined with other market-leading oncology solutions, offers enhanced and efficient CT Simulation with radiotherapy treatment planning capabilities. The unveiling at booth #3063 during the 2018 American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Annual Meeting marks Fujifilm’s entry into the CT market, expanding its end-to-end diagnostic imaging product portfolio which is recognized for exceptional imaging at low dose.

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.

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.