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.

AI software takes cardiac risk assessments to another level
Allen Taylor, MD, thinks AI-powered plaque evaluations can make a substantial impact on patient care.
Heartflow, a leader in AI-powered imaging evaluations, files for IPO
Heartflow, known for its AI-based CCTA evaluations, appears to be going public. The news follows years of momentum for the California-based company, including improved Medicare reimbursements for cardiac CT and a new Category I CPT code for its Plaque Analysis software.
New data highlight how Heartflow's AI software drives major shifts in heart care
One of the study's most significant findings was that patients managed using the advanced AI software saw LDL cholesterol drops of 18.7 mg/dL, with a 15% reduction in their risk of a cardiac event. Even patients with no calcified plaque saw significant changes in care management.
AI-enabled coronary plaque evaluations included in new RBM guidelines
The use of advanced AI software to assess CCTA images continues to gain more momentum.
Cardiology still No. 2 in FDA-cleared clinical AI algorithms, trailing only radiology
Cardiology continues to be one of the most influential healthcare specialties when it comes to utilizing artificial intelligence.

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.

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.

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.

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.

MEDNAX Radiology Solutions Chief Medical Officer Presents at SCCT 2019 on New National Cardiac Centers of Excellence Program

MEDNAX, Inc. (NYSE: MD) and MEDNAX Radiology Solutions, one of the nation’s largest radiology practices, announced that Chief Medical Officer, Ricardo C. Cury, MD, FSCCT, will present at the 14th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (SCCT) at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront in Baltimore, Md. today.

Aidoc announces CE mark for the first AI-based workflow tool for Pulmonary Embolism

Aidoc’s solution for flagging and prioritizing pulmonary embolisms is now commercially available in Europe

Plaque characteristics boost predictive power of CTA risk scoring

A CT angiography (CTA)-derived score that also incorporated the extent, location and composition of coronary plaque outperformed a model that focused only on the severity of stenosis, researchers reported Jan. 16 in JACC: Cardiovascular Imaging.

Computed Tomography

AI software takes cardiac risk assessments to another level

Heartflow, a leader in AI-powered imaging evaluations, files for IPO

New data highlight how Heartflow's AI software drives major shifts in heart care

AI-enabled coronary plaque evaluations included in new RBM guidelines

Cardiology still No. 2 in FDA-cleared clinical AI algorithms, trailing only radiology