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.

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.

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.

Chest CT for suspected pulmonary embolism in the ED: Utilization is up, diagnostic yield is down

CT utilization in the emergency department (ED) has increased significantly in the last few decades, a fact often cited as one of the major reasons healthcare costs and radiation exposure are on the rise. So what can be done to reverse that trend?

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.

Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (SCCT) Announces New Fellows and Residents-In-Training Partnership with Toshiba Medical

The Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (SCCT) and Toshiba Medical today announce a new partnership dedicated to providing career development opportunities for radiology fellows and residents in the United States. Toshiba Medical’s support will allow 250 U.S.-based fellows and residents to join SCCT at no charge for one year, enhancing their early career opportunities and building their awareness of the growing contributions of cardiovascular computed tomography.

Intrinsic Imaging awarded interventional medical device trial for prevention of pulmonary emboli

Intrinsic Imaging, an FDA audited, ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 13485:2003 certified, GAMP 5 compliant medical imaging core lab specializing in providing services for clinical trials, announced today that it has been awarded a clinical trial to study an interventional medical device designed for the prevention of pulmonary emboli.

Example of a curved MPR image reconstruction of entire length of of a coronary artery on a cardiac CT scan to better show calcified and soft plaque burden inside the vessel. The thumbnail dots on the left side of the image are cross sectional views of the vessel. Siemens example on the expo floor.

The CCTA Playbook: A Guide to Coding, Reimbursement and Operations

A compendium of the business intelligence required to launch a CCTA service

Be Mindful of the Stark Law in CCTA Alliances

Numerous radiology groups are currently discussing arrangements whereby cardiologists and the radiologists would essentially split the responsibilities for reading coronary CT angiography (CCTA) studies. Most commonly, as proposed, the cardiologists would read and generate a signed interpretation report, but limited to the cardiac portion of the

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.