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.

Pediatric head CT rates remain high despite ongoing efforts

Pediatric CT neuroimaging has not decreased in the last decade despite ongoing efforts to identify children with traumatic brain injury (TBI) who should avoid scans, according to research published in the September issue of Pediatrics.

Machine learning bests physicians in predicting heart disease mortality

A machine learning platform accurately predicted mortality in patients with heart disease, outperforming models created by medical experts, according to an Aug. 31 study in PLOS One.

Elastography, echogenicity discriminate plaques in symptomatic stenosis patients

Combining ultrasound elastography and echogenicity analysis may better distinguish between plaques in patients with symptomatic internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis than in those without symptoms, according to an Aug. 30 study in the American Journal of Roentgenology.

Gadolinium MRI links left atrial fibrosis to high risk of arrhythmias in endurance athletes

Research presented at the 2018 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) annual meeting found that left atrial fibrosis in endurance athletes could increase risk of arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation (AFib), according to an article published Aug. 31 by Cardiovascular Business.

Quicker, cheaper CMR protocol may improve cardio care in developing nations

A streamlined cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging protocol utilizing a contrast agent allowed Peruvian clinicians to improve care for patients with various heart conditions, a new Journal of the American Heart Association study found. The findings may prove invaluable in bringing CMR imaging to developing regions.

Radiologists increasingly utilize coronary CT angiography

Researchers re-examined CT angiography’s value in a recent Journal of the American College of Radiology study, finding utilization rates are rising in the Medicare population, with radiologists apparently leading the charge.

New protocol cuts costs, time for CMR imaging

A simplified cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) protocol using a contrast agent allowed clinicians in Peru to diagnose heart ailments more quickly and cheaply, a new study found. The results, published online Aug. 29 in the Journal of the American Heart Association, highlight a potential pathway to realizing the benefits of CMR in developing nations.

Woman sues Chicago's Northwestern Medicine, physician for mistreatment following CT scan

A woman is suing Northwestern Medicine Regional Medical Group in Chicago and several physicians for allegedly failing to properly diagnose her with terminal cancer from a CT scan of her liver, according to a report published Aug. 28 by the Cook Country Record.

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