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.

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.
‘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.
FDA clears AI tool that flags signs of heart disease in chest CT scans
The newly cleared offering, AutoChamber, was designed with opportunistic screening in mind. It can evaluate many different kinds of CT images, including those originally gathered to screen patients for lung cancer.
AI-enabled plaque assessments help cardiologists ID high-risk CAD patients
AI-enabled coronary plaque assessments deliver significant value, according to late-breaking data presented at TCT. These AI platforms have gained considerable momentum in recent months, receiving expanded Medicare coverage in addition to a new Category I CPT code.
Abbott CGM sensors can now be worn during common imaging procedures
Sensors from the FreeStyle Libre 2 and Libre 3 continuous glucose monitoring systems can now be worn during X-rays, CT scans and MRI scans. The news represents a shift in policy from the FDA, one that came after the agency reviewed extensive testing data.

Novarad’s NovaCardio ECG Provides Viewing, Storage and Reporting in CPACS / CVIS

Novarad’s NovaCardio™ ECG seamlessly integrates with CPACS / CVIS to enable digital ECG reading, annotation, manipulation, storage and easy reporting.

February 18, 2014

High-spatial resolution CT could benefit those at high risk for coronary artery disease

Improved evaluability and accuracy was seen with high spatial resolution in comparison with standard spatial resolution coronary CT angiography of calcified coronary artery lesions, according to a study published online Feb. 8 in Radiology. 

February 13, 2014

New motion-correction algorithm improves CCTA image quality

A novel, vendor-specific, motion-corrected, reconstruction algorithm has been shown to improve image quality and interpretability of prospectively electrocardiogram (ECG)-triggered low-dose coronary CT angiography (CCTA) regardless of insufficient heart rate control, according to a study published in the March 2014 issue of Academic Radiology. 

February 10, 2014

Plaque quantification not reproducible across software platforms

Currently available noncalcified plaque quantification software offers good intraplatform reproducibility but poor interplatform reproducibility, according to a study published in the January 2014 issue of the American Journal of Roentgenology. 

January 13, 2014

Imaging technology to improve survival of ischemic disease patients

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals Case Medical Center hope to improve treatment and survival rates of ischemic heart disease patients by providing doctors an unprecedented look at the stents they place in coronary arteries.

January 7, 2014

Improved MR imaging for patients with implanted cardiac devices

Modified wideband late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) cardiac MRI eliminates hyperintensity artifacts caused by implanted cardiac devices and enables the use of the technique in patients with the devices, according to a study published in the January 2014 issue of Radiology. 

January 2, 2014

Outpatient echo use down in cardiology offices

While echocardiography code bundling produced an expected sharp drop in outpatient claims from cardiologists in 2009, office echocardiography rates unexpectedly continued to decline, according to a study published online Dec. 9 in the Journal of the American College of Radiology. 

December 17, 2013

Adenosine stress cardiac MRI performs over stress echocardiography

In patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with intermediate-risk chest pain (CP), adenosine stress cardiac MR imaging performed within 12 hours of presentation is safe and could have better performance characteristics than stress echocardiography, according to a study published online Dec. 10 by Radiology. 

December 16, 2013

Around the web

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.

Cardiovascular Business

FDA clears AI tool that flags signs of heart disease in chest CT scans

The newly cleared offering, AutoChamber, was designed with opportunistic screening in mind. It can evaluate many different kinds of CT images, including those originally gathered to screen patients for lung cancer.

Cardiac Imaging

Global shortage of nuclear imaging isotopes may be over

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

FDA clears AI tool that flags signs of heart disease in chest CT scans

AI-enabled plaque assessments help cardiologists ID high-risk CAD patients

Abbott CGM sensors can now be worn during common imaging procedures

Around the web