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.

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Radiomics can predict major cardiac events using CCTA images

A CCTA-based radiomics method was recently found to be more accurate in identifying potentially problematic plaques than conventional CCTA anatomical parameters alone.

Ed Nicol, MD, consultant cardiologist and honorary senior clinical lecturer with Kings College London and president-elect of the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (SCCT), explained artificial intelligence (AI) in cardiac CT is here to stay and its use is expanding. He noted that one AI-based algorithm is already included in recent cardiology guidelines and more will likely follow. #SCCT

Cardiac imagers need to understand AI as it enters clinical use and ACC guidelines

Most FDA-cleared AI algorithms are related to radiology and cardiology, meaning radiologists and cardiologists need to make an effort to learn how these technologies work.

A CT coronary calcium scoring exam at Northwestern Medicine's Central DuPage Hospital in the Chicago Suburbs. Dave Fornell

The remaining gaps in evidence for cardiac CT

While the ACC/AHA 2021 Chest Pain Assessment Guidelines included cardiac CT angiography as a top level recommendation, gaps in evidence still need to be filled.

#CTA #photoncountingCT #aortaCT

Photon counting cuts CTA contrast dosage 25%

Not only does the low-volume contrast protocol preserve supplies, it also protects patients who might be vulnerable to adverse reactions and/or side effects from contrast use. 

Increased use of CCTA improves CAD outcomes without raising costs

Researchers examined data from nearly 2 million patients, sharing their full findings in JACC: Cardiovascular Imaging.

‘Revolutionary’ new CT scans identify the most common cause of high blood pressure

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is one the single most common causes of hypertension, but identifying patients with PA—and knowing which ones may benefit from a surgical treatment—can be quite challenging.

subtraction coronary CT angiography

Subtraction boosts CCTA accuracy, even in the presence of extensive calcium

Researchers recently found results yielded via subtraction CCTA to be similar to those produced by ICA in assessing stenosis grading.

An example of virtual pulmonary valve implant planning software showing a virtual transcatheter pulmonary valve with measurements implnated in the virtual anatomy of a congenital heart patient. This was part of a training class at the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (SCCT) 2022 meeting.

FDA makes clearance easier for cardiac device implant simulation software

The FDA is reclassifying interventional cardiovascular implant simulation software into the class II (special controls) regulatory category, which will make it easier for the technology to pass regulatory approval.