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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Cardiologist compensation hits $622K, up 32% from 10 years ago

According to a new analysis from MedAxiom, an American College of Cardiology company, cardiologist compensation has nearly returned to where it was before the COVID-19 pandemic. The detailed report also examined new patient visits, cardiac imaging utilization and much more. 

VIDEO: Gender differences in women with cardiovascular disease and implications for imagers

Erin D. Michos, MD, co-editor in chief of the American Journal of Preventive Cardiology, discusses gender differences in heart disease presentations.

CCTA a helpful tool for interventional cardiologists planning coronary procedures

A new consensus statement from the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography emphasized the increasing importance of CCTA among interventional cardiologists. It is no longer seen as “a mere diagnostic tool," the group observed. 

Vascular CT beyond the coronaries includes imaging for aortic aneurism, aortic dissection, SCAD and fibromuscular dysplasia. #SCCT #SCCT2022 #SCAD #yescct

VIDEO: Vascular imaging applications for CT beyond the heart

Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (SCCT) President Brian Ghoshhajra, MD, explains the vascular imaging sessions at SCCT 2022 that went beyond the usual coronaries and structural heart evaluations.

Pre-procedure CT imaging benefits LAA occlusion in Henry Ford study

There is not agreement among the top structural heart experts if CT is required for left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO), but a Henry Ford Hospital study shows it can improve outcomes.

Fat attenuation index (FAI) CT imaging of coronary artery fat can show inflammation and can help pin-point vulnerable plaques, or show the reversal of inflammation due to drug therapies. The technology is being developed by the vendor Caristo, which has European CE mark and the company is seeking FDA clearance. #SCCT #SCCT2022

VIDEO: New Technologies in Cardiac CT Imaging

Ron Blankstein, MD, Brigham and Women's Hospital, explains recent advances in coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) technology. 

Cardiac CT now in the spotlight thanks to chest pain guidelines

With the elevation of cardiac CT to a 1A indication in the 2021 Chest Pain Guidelines, there has been a large amount of interest in starting coronary artery CT angiography (CCTA) programs. 

VIDEO: 3 challenges for Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography members in 2023

Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (SCCT) President Brian Ghoshhajra, MD, detailed three challenges he is making to SCCT members in the coming year.