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.

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CT colonography utilization has doubled over the last decade

That number is expected to grow even more in the coming years, as the exam serves as a noninvasive alternative to colonoscopy, while also providing more accurate results than stool tests. 

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Radiologists, thoracic surgeons urge CMS to make millions more eligible for lung cancer screening

Enacting the requested modifications would make about 5 million more Americans eligible for LCS while saving about 21% more lives. 

Peter Monteleone, MD, an interventional cardiologist, national director of cardiovascular research at Ascension Health, and assistant professor, UT Austin Dell School of Medicine, explained the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to independently identify an emergency stroke or pulmonary embolism (PE) finding on a CT scan and automatically alert critical care team members. His health system uses this type of AI for earlier activation of the pulmonary embolism response team (PERT).

AI critical care software revolutionizes emergency response

Ascension Health in Texas uses AI that can read CT scans for stroke and pulmonary embolism to activate care teams before the images even get into the PACS.

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New data underline importance of expanding Medicaid to address poor lung cancer screening uptake

“Also needed are institutional and societal efforts to address LCS capacity, including screening infrastructure investments and quality benchmarking," experts wrote in JAMA Internal Medicine

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Emergency medicine physicians develop novel approach that reduces unnecessary imaging by half

To fine-tune triage, scientists have created a clinical prediction rule, incorporating it into an algorithm to guide ED providers considering CT or X-ray. 

The rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has helped cardiologists, radiologists, nurses and other healthcare providers embrace precision medicine in a way that ensures more heart patients are receiving personalized care.

ACR urges radiologists to speak up as Medicare considers covering imaging AI software

New York-based vendor Cleerly recently petitioned CMS to pay for its primary CT software, which assesses scans for signs of coronary artery disease. 

EHR interventions increase lung cancer screening by 30% but still leave over half of patients behind

Although CT lung cancer screening is known to improve detection rates and health outcomes, compliance among eligible patients remains lackluster.

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1st-of-its kind study unearths factors radiology providers can modify to boost cancer screening uptake

Researchers believe their analysis offers some of first evidence highlighting connections between racism and the decision to receive low-dose CT. 

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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.

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

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