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.

New PFA registry will use AI, EHR integration to gather real-world data
PFA has emerged as the preferred ablation strategy for many electrophysiologists, but some questions do remain about its long-term impact. HRS is developing this new registry to be as user-friendly for clinicians as possible.
Cardiology’s biggest trend: New scientific statements take on AI-powered coronary plaque evaluations
The ACC and AHA both issued new statements on noninvasive CCTA offerings that use advanced AI to evaluate patients with suspected CAD. These technologies have gained significant momentum in recent years, and experts agree that they represent a game-changing advancement in the world of cardiovascular imaging.
Success in treating congenital heart disease prompted need for new adult guidelines
The American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association have issued new guidelines for the management of congenital heart disease in adults. The document outlines how to manage these patients, the challenges they face and much more.
AI flags hard-to-detect heart disease in seconds
The new deep learning algorithm is capable of detecting signs of coronary microvascular dysfunction in seconds.
Societies must adapt to the rise of multimodality cardiac imaging
ASE President David Wiener detailed some of the many ways imaging societies need to adapt now that so many imagers are specializing in multiple modalities. It may be time to change how annual conferences are scheduled, for example, so that the costs of travel are easier to manage.

CTA offers efficiency, lower costs in patients with suspected CAD

A team of international researchers found using coronary CT angiography (CCTA) to determine which patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) would benefit from invasive angiography can reduce costly invasive procedures while achieving similar accuracy to other methods.

Corotid biomarker may personalize treatment in patients with CVD risk factors

Carotid pulse wave velocity (PVW) measured with ultrafast ultrasound at the end of systole (PWV-ES) may be a better biomarker of carotid stiffness in diabetic patients than PWV measured at the beginning of systole, according to a new study.

CT angiography lowers invasive testing, costs in patients with suspected CAD

Using coronary CT angiography to identify which patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) really need invasive angiography can lower the overall cost of diagnostic testing without sacrificing safety, suggests a randomized trial published Dec. 12 in JACC: Cardiovascular Imaging.

3D printing workflow utilizes CT scans to improve aortic valve replacement

With the development of a new three-dimensional (3D) printing workflow, researchers at the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University in Boston may help cardiologists produce more proficient implantable heart valves and determine how different sized valves interact for each patient before surgical intervention for aortic valve replacement, according to a Dec. 10 report by the 3D Printing Media Network.

Creator of AI-based ECG analysis named European Innovator of the Year

Cardiologs co-founder and CEO Yann Fleureau was named the European Innovator of the Year by MIT Technology Review. The company offers a cloud-based artificial intelligence (AI) platform that enables the detection of 14 cardiac arrhythmias through ambulatory electrocardiogram (ECG) readings.

FDA grants special recognition to AI software used to diagnose rare form of hypertension

The FDA has granted a breakthrough device designation for an artificial intelligence (AI) pattern recognition software being developed by Bayer and Merck & Co. in New Jersey that can identify signs of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH)—a rare form of hypertension—in CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) scans, according to a Dec. 3 press release.

Images of atherosclerosis may boost patient adherence to CVD prevention

Showing patients and their primary care doctors pictorial representations of carotid plaque may prompt greater adherence to lifestyle and medication interventions, resulting in lower cardiovascular disease risk within one year, according to a study published Dec. 3 in The Lancet.

EMS response slower for cardiac arrest in low-income areas

It takes emergency medical services (EMS) almost four minutes longer to transport cardiac arrest patients from poor neighborhoods to the hospital versus those from high-income neighborhoods, according to a study of 2014 United States EMS data published in JAMA Network Open.

Cardiac Imaging

New PFA registry will use AI, EHR integration to gather real-world data

Cardiology’s biggest trend: New scientific statements take on AI-powered coronary plaque evaluations

Success in treating congenital heart disease prompted need for new adult guidelines

AI flags hard-to-detect heart disease in seconds

Societies must adapt to the rise of multimodality cardiac imaging