Body mass index (BMI) has been identified as the primary modifiable risk factor associated with total and soft coronary plaque on coronary CT angiography in asymptomatic diabetic patients, according to a study published online April 22 by Radiology. 

An evaluation of radiation exposure to a large population of patients undergoing PCI and coronary angiography (CA) may help identify methods for optimizing patient safety, according to a study published online April 9 in Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions.

The rates of CT perfusion and CT angiogram for acute ischemic stroke markedly increased from 2006 to 2010 and both modalities were associated with increased reperfusion therapy use, according to a study published in the April issue of Stroke. 

Use of stress cardiac magnetic resonance in obese patients is feasible and effective in determining prognoses, according to a study published online April 9 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Cardiovascular Imaging. 

Noncalcified coronary artery plaque was found to be more prevalent and extensive in HIV-infected men, which suggests an increased risk for cardiovascular events in this population, according to a study published on March 31 by Annals of Internal Medicine. 

While the SGR saga was deservedly the biggest headline this week, a number of the other most read stories came from the area of cardiovascular imaging.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—An update on trends in cardiac CT, presented March 30 at the American College of Cardiology (ACC) scientific session, focused on improvements in speed and coverage from vendors and highlighted studies showing the utility of CT angiography (CTA) in the emergency department.

Fusing body surface electrocardiographic mapping (BSM) and imaging allows for comprehensive assessment of cardiac arrhythmias, according to a study published in the April issue of Radiology.