Computed Tomography

Cardiac computed tomography (CT) has become a primary cardiovascular imaging modality in the past 20 years, and was recommended as a 1A recommendation in the 2021 chest pain assessment guidelines. CT calcium scoring has became a primary risk assessment for coronary artery disease and whether patients should be on statins. Coronary CT angiography (CCTA) is used to for anatomical assessment of the arteries for plaque burden and to identify areas of blockage that may cause ischemia and heart attacks. Additional use of contrast CT perfusion or fractional flow reserve CT (FFR-CT) can offer physiological information on the function of the heart. CT plays a primary role in structural heart assessments for heart valves, repair of congenital defects and left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) for both pre-procedure planning and procedural guidance. Find more news on general radiology CT use.

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chest pain lung pulmonary embolism

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. 

chest pain lung pulmonary embolism

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.

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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.

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Offering imaging exam for free ups utilization by 546%, with key gains in underserved populations

University Hospitals Health System tested the pricing change in a bid to boost outcomes in its service area. 

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Plaque characteristics boost predictive power of CTA risk scoring

A CT angiography (CTA)-derived score that also incorporated the extent, location and composition of coronary plaque outperformed a model that focused only on the severity of stenosis, researchers reported Jan. 16 in JACC: Cardiovascular Imaging.

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Industry group releases new guidelines for CT use in TAVR procedures

The Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (SCCT) released updated guidelines for using CT imaging in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

Perivascular fat attenuation index CT scans showing the amount coronary wall inflammation. This measure is being tested in trials to see if it can accurately predict which coronary artery lesions will progress to cause heart attacks.

Novel cardiac imaging biomarker could predict risk of coronary inflammation, heart attack

A team of international researchers has developed a new imaging biomarker able to non-invasively predict a patient’s risk of coronary inflammation and heart attack, according to research published Aug. 28 in The Lancet.

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Around the web

Cardiovascular Business
Positron partners with Upbeat Cardiology Solutions to improve cardiac PET/CT access

Positron, a New York-based nuclear imaging company, will now provide Upbeat Cardiology Solutions with advanced PET/CT systems and services. 

Cardiovascular Business
Global shortage of nuclear imaging isotopes may be over

The nuclear imaging isotope shortage of molybdenum-99 may be over now that the sidelined reactor is restarting. ASNC's president says PET and new SPECT technologies helped cardiac imaging labs better weather the storm.

Cardiovascular Business
‘A huge win’: CMS significantly increases Medicare payments for cardiac CT

CMS has more than doubled the CCTA payment rate from $175 to $357.13. The move, expected to have a significant impact on the utilization of cardiac CT, received immediate praise from imaging specialists.