Cardiac Imaging

While cardiac ultrasound is the widely used imaging modality for heart assessments, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and nuclear imaging are also used and are often complimentary, each offering specific details about the heart other modalities cannot. For this reason the clinical question being asked often determines the imaging test that will be used.

Merry X-Ray Adds Health Tech Inc.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – June 3, 2016 – Merry X-Ray Corporation, the nation’s largest independent distributor of medical x-ray equipment, supplies and service has acquired Health Tech Inc.

SCCT honors three young physicians

Three physicians were named finalists for the 10th annual Toshiba Young Investigators Awards, according to an announcement from the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (SCCT).

Thumbnail

Leakage in blood-brain barrier discovered in patients with early Alzheimer's

Individuals with early forms of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) were found to have leakage in the blood-brain barrier (BBB), according to a recent study published in Radiology, and that leakage may be “a key mechanism in the early stages of the disease.”

Should ultrasound surveillance be recommended for patients with testicular microlithiasis?

In the past, researchers have recommended ultrasound surveillance of patients with testicular microlithiasis (TM) due to a stated association between TM and testicular cancer (TC). However, according to a recent analysis published by the American Journal of Roentgenology, more recent recommendations do not support such surveillance when no other risk factors (family history, infertility, and so on) are prevalent. 

Thumbnail

Goal Reversal? Study Suggests Echocardiography Could Have an Underuse Problem

ASE says new data may be a “wake-up call” to recognize the value of echocardiography.  

Thumbnail

Patients with STEMI undergoing PCI may benefit from ultrasound impulses

During intravenous microbubble infusion, high mechanical index (HMI) impulses from a diagnostic ultrasound transducer helped prevent microvascular obstruction and improved functional outcomes at one-month follow-up in patients with STEMI who underwent PCI.

Technology from HeartFlow provides insights to help identify coronary plaques at risk of rupturing

A study of hemodynamic data from HeartFlow, Inc. may help predict which coronary plaques have the potential to rupture. Analyzing HeartFlow technology, the study was designed to predict the risk of developing acute coronary syndrome (ACS), a condition associated with sudden, reduced blood flow to the heart.

USPSTF releases draft research plan on screening for CVD risk and atrial fibrillation with electrocardiography

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) released a draft research plan on screening for cardiovascular disease risk and atrial fibrillation with electrocardiography. The plan is open for public comment until June 1 at 8:00 p.m. EST. The USPSTF will read and evaluate the comments and use them to develop a systematic review of the evidence.

Around the web

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

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.

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.