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.

Examples of the messages the Nanox AI algorithms display for incidental findings of spinal compression fractures and detection of coronary calcium. Both can help physicians better understand risk factors or need for therapy in patients through these types of opportunistic screenings on scans being performed for other reasons.

Routine chest CT often reveals patients at risk for cardiovascular disease, presenting radiology with ‘untapped’ potential

Rads only reported this incidental finding in about 31% to 44% of cases, experts detailed in the Journal of the American College of Radiology

Video of Mahadevappa Mahesh, PhD, incoming-AAPM president, professor of radiology and a medical physicist, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, explains key trends in imaging physics presented at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) 2023 meeting.

6 key trends in medical imaging physics

Mahadevappa Mahesh, PhD, incoming American Association of Physicists in Medicine president, discusses key developments in the specialty. 

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World Health Organization forecasts 77% increase in new cancer cases by 2050

Two years ago, there were roughly 20 million cancer cases. However, population aging and growth are pushing these numbers upward, WHO said. 

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More with less: Department cuts technologists’ wasted time searching for CT supplies by 62%

The University of Utah Health department of radiology recently tackled a quality improvement project to quash wasted minutes spent seeking syringes and other items in storage. 

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Inconsistent imaging: Radiologists letting personal preferences influence decision-making

There is significant variation from one radiologist to the next in suggesting follow-up head and neck imaging, Harvard experts detailed in AJR

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Patient-radiologist consultations, held in reading room after lung cancer screening, show promise

Conversations last 10 minutes or less, with specialists providing a preliminary interpretation of imaging findings in conjunction with smoking cessation counseling. 

Over the Shoulder Shot CT Brain Scan Images

Lower shift volumes lead to significantly fewer errors for neuroradiologists

When case volumes climb to 67-90 studies, error rates were 226% higher than those tackling 19 or fewer cases during their shift, experts reported. 

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Use of CT angiography has surged in recent years, with a corresponding drop in MRI

Ease of access, lower cost, and shorter scan time, especially for emergent clinical indications such as acute stroke, all may be fueling CTA volumes. 

Around the web

The nuclear imaging isotope shortage of molybdenum-99 may be over now that the sidelined reactor is restarting. ASNC's president says PET and new SPECT technologies helped cardiac imaging labs better weather the storm.

CMS has more than doubled the CCTA payment rate from $175 to $357.13. The move, expected to have a significant impact on the utilization of cardiac CT, received immediate praise from imaging specialists.

The all-in-one Omni Legend PET/CT scanner is now being manufactured in a new production facility in Waukesha, Wisconsin.

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