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.

FDA clears AI-assisted CCTA software that assesses plaques for signs of heart disease
Caristo Diagnostics, an Oxford-based medtech company founded by cardiologists, has gained FDA clearance for its CaRi-Plaque technology.
AI beats standard regression models at predicting lung cancer risk
Not all AI or regression models are the same, nor do they all incorporate the same data when assessing patient risk.
Building a successful CCTA program: Physicians and healthcare executives to share advice
CCTA continues to grow more and more important in the day-to-day treatment of heart patients. Hospitals and health systems that fail to embrace the modality risk falling behind.
How radiologists can help identify victims of domestic violence
New analysis details patterns radiologists can look for that may signal a patient is experiencing domestic violence.
Using CT imaging to opportunistically screen for osteoporosis could save Medicare upward of $2.5B
Only about 11% to 18% of eligible patients receive recommended bone density scans, but CT images gathered for other purposes could fill this gap.

New pulmonary embolism approach could substantially reduce imaging overuse

The pretest probability score produced false-negative rates below 1% and dropped imaging use by about 20%, according to a new JAMA Cardiology study.

AI spots dozens of missed incidental pulmonary embolism diagnoses at one hospital

The investigation was retrospective, but Duke scientists believe their algorithm could potentially aid radiologists in spotting near-misses in their work.

Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography shares new CCTA guidance

The guidance, published in full in the Journal of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography, includes updates to previous CCTA recommendations and was designed to answer common questions.

Cigna stops requiring prior authorization for certain CT imaging exams

Imaging advocates praised the policy change, which took effect on Monday, Feb. 1.

CCTA is a safe, effective alternative to SPECT in patients with stable chest pain

The findings come by way of the RESCUE Trial, which included more than 1,000 participants from 44 different sites.

Providers blunt skyrocketing use of CT for pulmonary embolism, but numbers still climbing

CTPA delivery leapt 450% between 2004 and 2016, but efforts from Choosing Wisely and others may have made a dent, experts detailed in JAMA Network Open.

Top cardiac society releases new guidelines for training radiology students in cardiovascular CT

The Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography recently published its 14-page guidance online.

Fasting before contrast-enhanced CT exams is unnecessary, experts say

In some instances, not eating solid foods can actually make patients feel sick, leading to nausea and dehydration, researchers explained recently.

Computed Tomography

FDA clears AI-assisted CCTA software that assesses plaques for signs of heart disease

AI beats standard regression models at predicting lung cancer risk

Building a successful CCTA program: Physicians and healthcare executives to share advice

How radiologists can help identify victims of domestic violence

Using CT imaging to opportunistically screen for osteoporosis could save Medicare upward of $2.5B