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.

UK's NHS: 22% of patients wait more than 6 weeks for imaging tests

Recent statistics from the National Health Service (NHS) show that almost a quarter of patients wait more than six weeks for key diagnostic tests such as MRI and CT scans, the BBC reported on Aug. 27.

Perivascular fat attenuation index CT scans showing the amount coronary wall inflammation. This measure is being tested in trials to see if it can accurately predict which coronary artery lesions will progress to cause heart attacks.

Novel cardiac imaging biomarker could predict risk of coronary inflammation, heart attack

A team of international researchers has developed a new imaging biomarker able to non-invasively predict a patient’s risk of coronary inflammation and heart attack, according to research published Aug. 28 in The Lancet.

xPerivascular fat attenuation index CT scans from a drug study showing a reduction in coronary wall inflammation. This measure is being tested in trials to see if it can accurately predict which coronary artery lesions will progress to cause heart attacks. The method also can show a reduction in risk with therapy, as seen here.

FAI helps quantify vascular inflammation, predict future CVD events in cardiac imaging patients

The addition of perivascular fat attenuation to routine coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) improves risk stratification in heart patients, according to research presented at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC)’s annual symposium in Munich, surpassing current prognostic models to re-classify and predict cardiac deaths with more accuracy.

Study Shows Improved Quality of Life and Reduced Symptoms In Patients Treated with Medtronic Cryoballoon

DUBLIN and MUNICH — August 28, 2018 — Medtronic plc (NYSE:MDT) today announced new findings from the CRYO4PERSISTENT AF clinical trial demonstrating improved quality of life, reduced symptoms from abnormal heart rhythms, and low incidence of reinterventions and repeat ablation procedures.

CT angiography may improve treatment decisions for stable chest pain

Patients with stable chest pain who were evaluated with coronary CT angiography (CTA) were significantly less likely to experience a heart attack or die from coronary heart disease (CHD) within five years compared to individuals who received standard testing, researchers reported in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Coronary CT angiography could reduce 5-year risk of heart attack by 41%

Researchers found coronary computed tomography angiogram (CTA) in addition to standard cardiac testing may reduce patients at risk for coronary heart disease or a heart attack.

Experts debate clinical impact of HeartFlow's noninvasive cardiac imaging

“The technology’s usefulness may come down to a deeper question: How effective are stents for treating heart disease, and do you even need to know whether an artery is open or not?” according to an article published Aug. 27 by Forbes.

Risk of stroke, brain atrophy linked to modifiable lifestyle choices with MRI

Researchers have found young adults' lifestyle choices can increase their risk of stroke and dementia later in life, even with good cardiovascular health and without evidence of cerebrovascular disease, according to an Aug. 21 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

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