Cardiac Imaging

While cardiac ultrasound is the widely used imaging modality for heart assessments, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and nuclear imaging are also used and are often complimentary, each offering specific details about the heart other modalities cannot. For this reason the clinical question being asked often determines the imaging test that will be used.

AI-based coronary plaque evaluations highlight elevated heart risks in women
“This is the perfect technique to identify high-risk patients who would benefit from intensive therapies,” imaging specialist Gudrun Feuchtner, MD, told Cardiovascular Business.
FDA warns that certain coronary imaging catheters are being removed from market over safety concerns
A catheter sheath detached during use and was left in the patient’s body. It was successfully removed, but the FDA said it is now evaluating the potential risk to others going forward. There is no official recall at this time.
Family of heart patient who died awarded $45M after suing health system for negligence
The 55-year-old patient woke up experiencing chest pain one morning and an ambulance was called. He was dead just a few hours later. His family's lawsuit argued that delays in care, communication errors and other issues were directly responsible for his death.
Cardiology, radiology professionals unite to explore the challenges of diagnosing CAD in women
Coronary artery disease is both underdiagnosed and undertreated in women, and they often receive less guideline-recommended care than men. Why do these disparities persist? And what can today’s healthcare providers do to bring about change?
FDA clears catheter-based 4D visualization platform for complex heart procedures
The new technology from LUMA Vision allows operators to deliver 2D and 4D ultrasound images in real time. The advanced catheter was built with maneuverability and increased visibility in mind.

Noninvasive imaging method provides insight into peripheral blood flow

A team at ITMO University in Saint Petersburg, Russia, has found photoplethysmography can noninvasively capture unique information on the regulation of a patient’s peripheral blood flow, according to research published in Scientific Reports.

Noninvasive imaging helps cardiologists map blood flow response to physical stimuli

Photoplethysmography—a noninvasive imaging technique that allows clinicians to measure a patient’s pulse wave velocity as blood moves away from their heart—has for the first time linked alterations in the carotid system to changes in physical movement, according to research out of ITMO University in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

Imaging exams miss breast cancer in organs donated to 4 European women

In what medical experts are calling an “extraordinarily rare” case, four European women developed breast cancer years after receiving organ donations from a single donor, according to a report published Sept. 19 by CNN.

Case Western receives $1.1M to research new peripheral artery disease imaging method

Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland announced it has received a three-year, $1.1 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to research a novel imaging technique for diagnosing peripheral arterial disease, according to a university release.

Pre-activating cath labs speeds reperfusion, boosts survival for STEMI patients

ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients have better odds of survival if emergency medical services (EMS) personnel alert the hospital where the patient will be arriving ahead of time, according to a study published Sept. 17 in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions.

Siemens Healthineers Announces First U.S. Install of SOMATOM go.Top CT Scanner

Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center acquires latest addition to SOMATOM go. CT platform, which addresses advanced clinical fields and applications

SNMMI, ASNC encourage BCBS to expand coverage of cardiac PET

The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) and the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology (ASNC) submitted a letter to BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS) of Tennessee urging an expansion of cardiac PET coverage.

Example of spectral, or dual-energy CT, confirming a pulmonary embolism (PE). Image courtesy of Philips Healthcare

Dual-energy CTA iodine maps offer small benefit in diagnosing pulmonary embolism

Dual-energy (DE) CT iodine maps offer a slight benefit when paired with traditional CT angiography images in diagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE), reported researchers in a Sept. 11 Radiology study.

Cardiac Imaging

AI-based coronary plaque evaluations highlight elevated heart risks in women

FDA warns that certain coronary imaging catheters are being removed from market over safety concerns

Family of heart patient who died awarded $45M after suing health system for negligence

Cardiology, radiology professionals unite to explore the challenges of diagnosing CAD in women

FDA clears catheter-based 4D visualization platform for complex heart procedures