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 aids coma prognostics, potentially averting withdrawal of care

Deep learning has bested experienced neurosurgeons at predicting poor outcomes, including mortality, among patients admitted comatose with severe traumatic brain injuries.

Machine learning model quickly and accurately predicts outcomes for TBI patients

The model combines clinical data with imaging from head CT scans in individuals with severe traumatic brain injuries to quickly predict 6-month outcomes.

Ischemic stroke CT scan showing color coded blood flow for early and later arterial and venous contrast phases and areas of blocked blood flow. Image courtesy of RSNA

Disparities evident as CT stroke imaging rises sharply over 7-year period

Utilization of head CT perfusion (CTP) for imaging stroke patients spiked 428% between 2012 and 2019. Curiously, the uptrend was associated with higher mortality up to a year after discharge.

CT scans find prone position increases lung recruitment for COVID-19 patients

Using CT scans and EIT, researchers from an Italian hospital shed light on the specific benefits of the prone position for intubated COVID-19 patients. 

Why cardiologists and radiologists are choosing cardiac CT over invasive angiography for suspected CAD

"A CT-first strategy allows physicians to provide relevant findings without the need for an invasive procedure," one radiologist explained. 

PHOTO GALLERY: Duly Health adopts outpatient cardiac CT as a standard of care

Duly Health and Care in suburban Chicago recently opened a new outpatient cardiac evaluation center equipped with a dedicated cardiac CT system, which will likely be a new business model that will be seen more in the coming years.

Leslee Shaw, PhD, and former presidents of both SCCT and ASNC discusses the role of CT and FFR-CT in the 2021 chest pain guidelines.

VIDEO: Cardiac CT now recommended as a front-line chest pain assessment tool

Leslee Shaw, PhD, director of the Blavatnik Family Women’s Health Research Institute at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York and former president of the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (SCCT) and the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology (ASNC), explains the role of cardiac computed tomography (CT) in the recent 2021 chest pain guidelines.

Experts highlight 'suboptimal' rates of CMS-required shared decision making encounters prior to LDCT

These findings underscore the need for better implementation of shared decision-making (SDM) models, as well as more thorough counseling documentation, as low-dose CT (LDCT) lung screen coverage is dependent on these factors, experts suggested.