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.

liver cancer

Deep learning decreases CT radiation dose by 65% in patients with liver metastases

Scans using a smaller dose were accurate when detecting lesions 0.5 cm or larger but more research into low-contrast lesions is still necessary, experts cautioned.

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Cutting CT overuse for appendicitis: 4 factors that distinguish high-performing hospitals

The role of a “radiation reduction champion," often filled by a radiologist, is pivotal to these efforts, experts wrote in the Journal of Pediatric Surgery. 

blood test lung cancer

Blood test helps more accurately predict which patients would benefit from CT lung cancer screening

Researchers estimate their model would pinpoint 9% additional cases for screening while also reducing unnecessary imaging referrals by 14%. 

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Bolus tracking with individualized delays for abdominal multiphase CT beats fixed delay protocols

Current bolus tracking technology remains limited by the fixed delay before the start of a scan, experts explained in the European Journal of Radiology.

lung cancer pulmonary nodule chest

For first time, large population-based study proves CT screening reduces lung cancer deaths

The findings are based on an analysis of more than 300,000 patients diagnosed with non-small lung cancer between 2006-2016. 

An example of a life-like 3D rendering made from a photon-counting CT scan on the Naeotom Alpha system from Siemens.

First clinical photon-counting CT tops past 50 years of technology, with ‘striking’ improvements

The FDA-cleared machine reduced noise by up to 47% and offers new information that can change patient management, Mayo Clinic experts said.

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‘One-stop shop’ CT protocol boosts definitive diagnostic rates in patients with acute chest pain

The comprehensive approach yields crucial information usually obtained via CT and MRI, which can cut time to diagnosis, experts explained.

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COVID-19 disruptions lead to ‘substantial’ reductions in new cancer diagnosed via CT, other methods

Health systems must identify areas where patients are not following up on routine screening and find ways to reassure and reengage them, experts charged.