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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Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography shares new CCTA guidance

The guidance, published in full in the Journal of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography, includes updates to previous CCTA recommendations and was designed to answer common questions.

Cigna

Cigna stops requiring prior authorization for certain CT imaging exams

Imaging advocates praised the policy change, which took effect on Monday, Feb. 1. 

chest pain lung pulmonary embolism

CCTA is a safe, effective alternative to SPECT in patients with stable chest pain

The findings come by way of the RESCUE Trial, which included more than 1,000 participants from 44 different sites.

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Top cardiac society releases new guidelines for training radiology students in cardiovascular CT

The Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography recently published its 14-page guidance online.

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SCCT shares new imaging guideline for cardiology, radiology trainees

The document, published in numerous journals, was designed to help trainees improve their understanding of cardiovascular computed tomography.

Fasting before contrast-enhanced CT exams is unnecessary, experts say

In some instances, not eating solid foods can actually make patients feel sick, leading to nausea and dehydration, researchers explained recently.

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Offering imaging exam for free ups utilization by 546%, with key gains in underserved populations

University Hospitals Health System tested the pricing change in a bid to boost outcomes in its service area. 

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Expert panel recommends coronary CTA as first choice when evaluating for stable CAD

The American College of Cardiology Summit on Technology Advances in Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography shared its assessment in a new report.