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.

Lung cancer screening CT image in a 66-year-old male patient shows a sessile nodule with internal air in the left mainstem to left upper lobe bronchus (arrow) with a mean diameter of 10 mm. The nodule was assigned as Lung-RADS category 4A in the clinical report. (B) Follow-up CT image shows the lesion is resolved. Image courtesy of RSNA

Lung-RADS update helps limit false-positive results, unnecessary procedures

Using the latest version was associated with improved diagnostic accuracy, researchers wrote in a new analysis. 

CTC colonography colon cancer colonoscopy

Radiologists meet with CMS to press for coverage of crucial CT screening exam

Staffers with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services were "attentive to the discussion and requested supporting documentation," ACR reported. 

Thumbnail

A significant amount of imaging orders in emergency settings are inappropriate

A general lack of awareness pertaining to ACR appropriateness criteria could be a driving factor behind the misguided requisitions, authors of a new analysis suggest. 

radiation dose advanced imaging computed tomography

IAEA: When selecting medical imaging equipment, don’t assume ‘new’ means ‘low dose’

Advanced imaging equipment using ionizing radiation enters the global market at the rate of one new technology every five years.

Medical malpractice gavel diagnostic error mistake stethoscope

Stroke patient sues radiology practice claiming negligence led to her fall from a CT scanner

Monica Lynch accuses Midstate Radiology Associates of failing to secure her to the scanner table and ignoring her needs during an examination. 

Medicare drops AUC requirement for advanced imaging, ASNC celebrates

"This was an unneeded burden, which was solely adding to the administrative hassles of medicine," said American Society of Nuclear Cardiology President Larry Phillips.

Thumbnail

Portion of patients undergoing CTA for headache or dizziness soars 67% while positivity rate plummets

That’s according to new research out of the Harvey L. Neiman Health Policy Institute, published in Internal and Emergency Medicine.  

radiology trends lungs imaging graphs

Radiologists produce imitation PET scans via routine CT imaging

“With further tuning and validation, this pipeline may potentially add value in cancer screening, staging, diagnosis and prognosis," experts wrote in Cell Reports Medicine.  
 

Around the web

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.