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.

Using machine learning, noninvasive test can assess CAD in 3 minutes

A machine learning algorithm derived from thoracic phase signals can identify obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) with the same accuracy as existing functional tests, according to a study published Aug. 8 in PLOS One. The signals can be collected in about three minutes and don’t require the patient to exercise or be exposed to radiation, contrast media or pharmacological stress.

Coronary microvascular dysfunction spotted with stress PET beats BMI for predicting heart risks

Using coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) measurement identified with cardiac stress PET was more accurate at predicting adverse events in obese patients compared to measuring body mass index (BMI), according to a recent Journal of the American College of Cardiology study.

Researchers advocate for stricter chest x-ray imaging for children with epicardial pacemakers

Researchers from Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School recommend stricter chest x-ray screenings of children fitted with epicardial pacemakers to detect those at risk of coronary artery compression, according to a study published online Aug. 13 in HeartRhythm.

Han awarded the inaugural 2018 DeHaan Award for Innovation in Cardiology

Vienna, VA (August 13, 2018) — B. Kelly Han, MD, is the recipient of the inaugural 2018 DeHaan Award for Innovation in Cardiology, which includes a $200,000 grant.

Coronary microvascular dysfunction tops BMI for CVD risk prediction

Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) identified with cardiac stress PET testing was a better predictor of adverse events among obese patients than body mass index (BMI) and other traditional risk factors, researchers reported in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Chinese construction worker survives after impaled by 10-foot metal rod

A construction worker in China beat the odds—surviving after a 10-foot metal rod impaled his skull and brain, according to a report by the Daily Mail.

FDA stops Florida radiology facility from performing mammograms

The FDA has ordered a radiology center in a Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, suburb to stop performing low-quality mammograms not meeting FDA standards, according to a report published Aug. 7 by NBC 6 in Miramar.

Cardiac imaging delivers mixed results in preventing heart-related deaths in young athletes

A 20-year study published in the New England Journal of Medicine on Aug. 9 compiled cardiovascular screening exams from more than 11,000 adolescent soccer players in the U.K. It found that routine cardiac imaging tests prevented an insufficient amount of heart-related deaths from physical activity.

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