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.

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Genetic variant linked to chemotherapy-induced cardiomyopathy

The same genetic variants that have been uncovered in patients with two other types of cardiomyopathy are also present in an uncommonly high proportion of people with cancer therapy-induced cardiomyopathy (CCM), researchers reported in Circulation.

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MRI technique helps establish new biomarker for minor stroke

Using dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI, researchers found quantitatively mapping a patient’s blood-brain barrier dysfunction (BBBD) may be valuable for risk stratification and stroke prevention after a transient ischemic attack (TIA).

AI reads x-rays to determine cardiac device manufacturer

An AI platform designed to quickly read an x-ray and determine the manufacturer and model of a cardiac rhythm device may quicken treatment in the event of device failure.

Ultrasound societies want the FDA to remove contrast label warning

The International Contrast Ultrasound Society (ICUS) is again urging the FDA to remove the “black box” warning from ultrasound contrast agent (UCA) labels, following its filing of a September 2018 citizen petition with the federal agency.

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Cardiac MRI-derived T2 mapping may help heart failure patients

Researchers used T2 mapping taken from weekly cardiac MRIs to help identify cardiotoxicity at an early stage, according to results of a pig study published Feb. 18 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. The findings could help cancer patients at risk of chemo-induced heart failure.

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T2 mapping may uncover cardiotoxic marker early enough to prevent heart failure

T2 mapping derived from weekly cardiac MRIs helped researchers identify cardiotoxicity at an early and reversible stage, a finding which may have implications for cancer patients at risk of chemotherapy-induced heart failure.

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What’s the best MR angiography strategy to screen for aneurysm in patients with hereditary kidney disease?

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is among the most common hereditary diseases and is associated with complications such as intracranial aneurysm. A lack of screening guidelines prompted a group of researchers to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of various MR angiography strategies.

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Cardiac MRI, stress test improves mortality prediction

Stress cardiac MRI (CMR) greatly improved the accuracy of mortality prediction in patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease (CAD), reported authors of a large, multi-center study published in JAMA Cardiology.

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.