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.

How COVID-19 made some radiologists newly nimble with workload management

During one surge, the hospital’s CT volumes spiked to 55% higher than pre-pandemic levels—no doubt due to heavy demand for advanced chest imaging.

CT scan showing lung cancer nodules with measurements of each nodule to track growth or regression from treatment. Image courtesy of RSNA

Downgrading lung nodules at 3-month follow-up 'may be problematic'

A new analysis suggests that follow-up imaging protocols for certain lung nodules identified via CT may need to be revisited. 

Predicting healthcare utilization in COPD patients using CT and machine learning

Combining CT lung measurements with machine learning models to predict prognosis in COPD patients could help to lessen their reliance on emergency services. 

rib fracture broken ribs

Advanced MSK imaging trio—CT, MR, ultrasound—justified for certain trauma patients upon incident and over time

The comprehensive approach may be warranted for patients whose musculoskeletal injuries include fractures of the costal cartilage. 

Brian Ghoshhajra, MD, MBA, division chief, cardiovascular imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital and associate professor of radiology, Harvard Medical School, and a board member of the Society of cardiovascular Computed Tomography (SCCT) explains the rapidly expanding interest in cardiac computed tomography (CT) under the new chest pain evaluation guidelines.

VIDEO: The new role of cardiac CT in chest pain evaluation

Brian Ghoshhajra, MD, MBA, division chief, cardiovascular imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital and associate professor of radiology, Harvard Medical School, and a board member of the Society of cardiovascular Computed Tomography (SCCT), explains the rapidly expanding interest in cardiac computed tomography (CT) under the new chest pain evaluation guidelines.

Potential $1.5B effort kicks off to study low-dose radiation risks

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine have released a report estimating $100 million will be needed for each of the next 15 years to learn how exposure to low doses of radiation affect human health.

An example of spectral cardiac CT being used to show iodine density in the myocardium to show perfusion deficits. Shown by Philips healthcare at ACC 2022.

VIDEO: Mitigating the contrast media shortage impact on CT imaging

Brian Ghoshhajra, MD, MBA, division chief, cardiovascular imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital and associate professor of radiology, Harvard Medical School, explains the impact of the iodine contrast shortage on computed tomography (CT) and cardiac imaging.
 

New research compares COVID pneumonia in vaccinated vs unvaccinated patients

Even when fully vaccinated individuals contract a breakthrough COVID infection, their pneumonia frequency and severity are reduced on imaging.