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 turns low-quality MRI scans into helpful heart images
A team of biomedical engineers, radiologists and cardiologists has developed a new AI model capable of restoring low-quality cardiac MRI scans.
Johnson & Johnson MedTech faces threat of permanent injunction after losing antitrust case
After being ordered to pay $442 million in damages—a ruling the company has said it may appeal—Johnson & Johnson MedTech is now facing the possibility of a permanent injunction that could impact certain business practices. A hearing is scheduled for July.
Cardiologists, radiologists and surgeons share ‘landmark’ document on assessing prosthetic heart valves with CT
RSNA and several other industry societies have shared a new expert consensus document on the significant value of cardiac CT. Echo remains an effective first-line imaging option, the groups wrote, but CT can make a big impact as well.
AMA resolution backs expanded low-dose CT screenings for lung cancer, heart risk
Dana Smetherman, MD, CEO of the American College of Radiology, discusses the policy, which urges for more robust promotion of low-dose CT as a public health tool.
Angiographic catheters recalled due to safety risk
The new Class I recall includes nearly 27,000 devices that could potentially experience a harmful defect during use.

Canon Medical Systems’ Aquilion Precision Receives FDA Clearance

Canon Medical Systems USA, Inc.’s newly FDA-cleared Aquilion Precision™ is the world’s first Ultra-High Resolution CT system (UHR CT).

Coronary calcium scans may push some to adopt healthy heart habits

Jane E. Brody, a personal health columnist for the New York Times, recalled a time a few years back when her brother decided to request a calcium heart scan that, fortunately, didn't reveal any major problems. Still, the memory prompted her to pen a column about the noninvasive imaging technique.

MRI shows liver fibrosis may be linked to cardiovascular disease

In a multiethnic cohort study published March 9 in Circulation: Cardiovascular Imaging, researchers found liver fibrosis may be strongly associated with a patient's history of heart failure, atrial fibrillation or coronary heart disease.

AI platform beats cardiologists, classifies echos with 98% accuracy

An artificial intelligence (AI) platform outperformed board-certified cardiologists in classifying echocardiogram views, according to a study published online March 21 in Digital Medicine.

New quantitative flow ratio method tops FFR in diagnosing heart blockages

A team of international researchers showed that quantitative flow ratio (QFR) was feasible for testing coronary artery stenosis, and more accurate compared to traditional wire-based fractional flow reserve (FFR), according to a study published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Imaging.

Infarction patterns determine benefit of dual antiplatelet therapy for stroke patients

Patients with multiple acute infarction patterns may benefit the most from dual antiplatelet therapy compared to others who have experienced a minor stroke, according to a recent study of imaging data published online March 26 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

AI model 98% accurate in echocardiogram classification—outperforming cardiologists

A study published in the journal Digital Medicine found a trained artificial intelligence (AI) platform classified echocardiogram views with 98 percent accuracy—outperforming board-certified cardiologists.

New method may improve fractional flow reserve CT accuracy

A recent study published in the April 2018 issue of Radiology optimized a four-step approach to accurately detect hemodynamically significant intermediate-stenosis lesions, which outperformed coronary CT angiography. Researchers also found using coronary contrast opacification variations to estimate blood flow distribution may improve CT fractional flow reserve accuracy.

Cardiac Imaging

AI turns low-quality MRI scans into helpful heart images

Johnson & Johnson MedTech faces threat of permanent injunction after losing antitrust case

Cardiologists, radiologists and surgeons share ‘landmark’ document on assessing prosthetic heart valves with CT

AMA resolution backs expanded low-dose CT screenings for lung cancer, heart risk

Angiographic catheters recalled due to safety risk