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.

robot reviewing heart data

Viz.ai partners with Cleerly in the name of AI-based CCTA evaluations

The new partnership is focused on getting advanced AI algorithms into the hands of cardiologists.

 Brittany Nicole Weber, MD, Brigham and Women's Hospital, explains the use of opportunistic CT screening for cardiovascular disease on noncardiac exams.

Opportunistic screening with AI could be a game-changer for preventive cardiology

Brittany Nicole Weber, MD, PhD, detailed new research into the benefits of screening for cardiovascular disease in CT scans not specifically ordered for that purpose. The rise of AI has helped make opportunistic screening a huge trend in both cardiology and radiology. 

CMS could increase CCTA payments—the American College of Cardiology wants to help

CMS wants feedback after proposing a significant update to CCTA reimbursement payments. The American College of Cardiology, a longtime champion for improved cardiac CT payments, is now helping its members make their voices heard.

CT findings linked with pancreatic cancer

CT findings linked to heightened risk of pancreatic cancer recurrence

In 2023, the Society of Abdominal Radiology released its consensus statement regarding follow-up imaging of patients who have had their cancer surgically resected.

Radiologist-hospitalist collaboration could boost lung cancer screening rates

About 12% of the U.S. population, or 35 million individuals, are hospitalized each year, with caregivers collecting critical information that could facilitate imaging. 

Ron Blankstein, MD, FACC, FASNC, MSCCT, FASPC, associate director, cardiovascular imaging program, director, cardiac computed tomography, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and a professor of medicine and radiology, Harvard Medical School, explains why Medicare is proposing increased coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) payments to hospitals.

Higher payments for CCTA could bring considerable change to cardiology

Ron Blankstein, MD, explains how and why Medicare is proposing an increase to hospital payments for coronary CT angiography.

An Illinois appellate judge upheld a pervious trial victory that cleared and central Illinois cardiologist Amit Dande, MD, and Prairie Cardiovascular Consults LLP of alleged misdiagnosis of the severity of a patient's heart condition that led to his death prior to a schedule percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Radiologist faces blame after ‘inadequate’ CT report overlooks deadly bowel cancer case

The controversy dates to 2018, when a woman underwent a CT scan for abdominal pain and a rad overlooked bowel cancer on the images. 

Banner ASC in Sun City, Arizona.

Two years after the contrast shortage, how have supply preservation tactics fared?

During an initial three-month intervention period, one health system estimates that its saved nearly 750,000 mL of contrast. Now, experts from the organization are sharing whether those changes stuck after the shortage ended.