Computed Tomography

Computed tomography (CT) is a fast and accurate imaging modality often used in emergency settings and trauma imaging. CT scans, with or without (or both) iodinated contrast are frequently used to image the brain, chest, abdomen and pelvis, but also have post-imaging reconstructive capabilities for detailed orthopedic imaging. It is now a standard imaging modality in emergency rooms to quickly assess patients. CT uses a series of X-ray images shot as the gantry rotates around the patient. Computer technology assembles these into into a dataset volume than can be slices on any access, or advanced visualization software can extract specific parts of the anatomy for study. Find more content specific to cardiac CT.

AI enables tracking of coronary artery calcium growth on routine lung cancer CT scans
New data suggest increases in CAC scores between lung cancer screenings strongly correlates with the risk of adverse cardiovascular events.
New AI tool outperforms humans at lung tumor segmentation
The iSeg platform has the potential to significantly improve tumor segmentation processes prior to radiation therapy treatment.
FDA issues recall on Philips spectral CT systems
A software issue could lead to the affected devices inadvertently moving, potentially making unintentional contact with patients or other equipment, according to the FDA.
How the shape, size and location of calcified carotid plaques affect stroke risk
A new analysis provides further insight into factors affecting plaque stability and subsequent ischemic events
Emergency physicians make more mistakes when interpreting imaging of multiple organs
A new analysis details the prevalence of interpretation errors in EDs, the factors that influence them and how they affect patient care.

The imaging iodine contrast shortage is delaying procedures and causing rationing at hospitals. impact is it having on hospitals and the tough decisions that are being made to triage patients to determine if they will get a contrast CT scan or an interventional or surgical procedure requiring contrast. Photo by Dave Fornell

Higher radiation doses don't always improve CT image quality

Dose reduction protocols vary across scanners and organizations. This can create inconsistencies in both image quality and measuring patients’ total radiation exposure.

CT guided bone marrow biopsies cost 13 times more than non-image guided procedures, without improving specimen quality

A new analysis offers a thorough overview of the factors that influence providers’ decision to utilize image guidance and how they affect expenditures.

CT scan of a Coca-Cola bottle rectal foreign body. There are a sizable number of emergency room cases each year for items people insert into their rectums that become lodged or lost inside the colon. This includes many types of household items beyond vibrators and commercially made butt plugs. Ghonaim E, Rectal foreign body. Case study, Radiopaedia.org.

PHOTO GALLERY: Abdominal, pelvic and rectal foreign bodies

This is a clinical photo gallery showcasing the uncommon findings of foreign bodies in pelvic and abdominal CT and X-ray, often from emergency room visits.

HeartFlow introduced its next generation artificial intelligence (AI) Plaque Analysis with an interactive experience at SCCT 2024. It shows a 3D plaque model and analysis by territory across calcified, non-calcified and low-attenuation plaques. This includes viewing cross-sectional, color-coded images of each plaque type where it was quantified along the vessel. #SCCT #SCCT24 #SCCT2024

Updated HeartFlow technology offers interactive features, full integration with FFR-CT

HeartFlow is using SCCT 2024 to introduce the world to its updated Plaque Analysis platform. “Accurately diagnosing a patient’s risk for coronary artery disease is critical for determining the best treatment," Chief Medical Officer Campbell Rogers, MD, explained.

Contrast protocols based on lean body weight save supplies, reduce patient risk

Adjusting contrast dose based on a patient’s lean body weight provides the same image quality as other administration methods, new data show.

Former smokers who vape now still need to be screened for lung cancer. Many of them aren't

Despite kicking their initial habit, these individuals remain at risk of developing lung cancer due to their history of smoking cigarettes, current use of e-cigarettes, or both, experts caution.

Radiologists, thoracic surgeons urge CMS to make millions more eligible for lung cancer screening

Enacting the requested modifications would make about 5 million more Americans eligible for LCS while saving about 21% more lives.

New study calls ED imaging protocols for geriatric head injuries into question

The new data suggest that admitting patients for observation and additional imaging to monitor for delayed intracranial hemorrhage might often be unnecessary.

Computed Tomography

AI enables tracking of coronary artery calcium growth on routine lung cancer CT scans

New AI tool outperforms humans at lung tumor segmentation

FDA issues recall on Philips spectral CT systems

How the shape, size and location of calcified carotid plaques affect stroke risk

Emergency physicians make more mistakes when interpreting imaging of multiple organs