Computed Tomography

Cardiac computed tomography (CT) has become a primary cardiovascular imaging modality in the past 20 years, and was recommended as a 1A recommendation in the 2021 chest pain assessment guidelines. CT calcium scoring has became a primary risk assessment for coronary artery disease and whether patients should be on statins. Coronary CT angiography (CCTA) is used to for anatomical assessment of the arteries for plaque burden and to identify areas of blockage that may cause ischemia and heart attacks. Additional use of contrast CT perfusion or fractional flow reserve CT (FFR-CT) can offer physiological information on the function of the heart. CT plays a primary role in structural heart assessments for heart valves, repair of congenital defects and left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) for both pre-procedure planning and procedural guidance. Find more news on general radiology CT use.

Radiation doses during heart scans vary dramatically from one country to the next

Newer imaging technologies designed to use less radiation have made a considerable impact. In parts of the world where those systems have not yet been implemented, however, radiation dose levels remain quite high. 

Whole-body MRI provider starts offering AI-powered CCTA scans

Patients electing to undergo a whole-body MRI at one Florida facility are now able to undergo a CCTA exam at the same time. All results are interpreted by a cardiologist, and the patient meets with a physician for a one-on-one consultation.  

Matthew Summers, MD, FACC, program director for structural heart, Sentara Heart Hospital, Norfolk, Virginia, explains how his center used a new transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) 3D CT planning software to better identify patients who are at high risk of complications. The software also enables the heart team to test the best placement of various valves to create a procedure plan tailored for each patients unique anatomy.

3D software helps cardiologists plan ahead for TAVR complications

Serious complications are rare after TAVR, but they can be catastrophic or fatal when they do occur. The care team at Sentara Heart Hospital found that bringing in new 3D software made it much easier to plan ahead for such issues. 

simulation of the conduction pathway relative to various cardiac structures.

FDA clears AI-powered platform that personalizes care during TAVR, cardiac pacing procedures

The newly cleared CARA System from Cara Medical was designed to help clinicians before and during a variety of cardiac procedures. It provides a personalized 3D map of the patient's cardiac conduction system and then overlays that map onto live fluoroscopic images.

Bayer RSNA Video

Bayer: Aiding Customer Resilience Amid CT Disruption

Sponsored by Bayer

U.S. Radiology departments navigating CT market challenges—supply disruptions and rising demand for contrast and delivery—need reliable partners. Hear Bayer leads explain how Bayer helps provide steady supply and innovations to support CT imaging and patient care.

iad Ali, MD, DPhil, director of the DeMatteis Cardiovascular Institute and director investigational interventional cardiology, St. Francis Hospital and Heart Center, explains how coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) offers a shift in cardiac care and interventional cardiology because of the information it offers on plaque burden and ischemia based on fractional flow reserve CT (FFR-CT). #TCT #YesCCT

CCTA becoming an essential tool for interventional cardiologists

Ziad Ali, MD, explains how coronary computed tomography angiography is creating a major shift in cardiac care.

older basketball player

Cardiac imaging registry expands to include former NBA, NHL players

Former NBA player Muggsy Bogues, who also acted in the 1996 film Space Jam, is one of many athletes now participating in the registry. "I’ve lost too many friends to cardiovascular disease," he said. 

CCTA delivers value, even when treating low-risk patients with no history of CAD

Total plaque volume and total plaque burden can help find patients who may be closer to suffering a heart attack than they realize.