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.

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Machine learning uses CT images to predict survival odds of melanoma patients

A unique radiomic signature forecasted overall survival in patients with advanced melanoma and could be used to help providers choose specific therapies.

Price shopping transparency

Wide variation in musculoskeletal imaging charges, including 74-fold difference for one CT exam

Stanford University experts analyzed price transparency data from 250 of the nation's top hospitals, sharing their work in AJR

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Simple quality improvement measures reduce problematic CT overuse for liver imaging

Updated department protocols dropped the median monthly number of abdominopelvic CTs with and without contrast from 74 scans down to 53, experts explained in Current Problems in Diagnostic Radiology.

liver cancer

Hospital dramatically reduces overuse of CT liver imaging with a few targeted interventions

Loma Linda University Medical Center has strengthened ties between its radiology department, hospital administration and liver transplant team to achieve its quality goals.

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.

quality

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.