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.

Coronary calcium scans may push some to adopt healthy heart habits

Jane E. Brody, a personal health columnist for the New York Times, recalled a time a few years back when her brother decided to request a calcium heart scan that, fortunately, didn't reveal any major problems. Still, the memory prompted her to pen a column about the noninvasive imaging technique.

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MRI shows liver fibrosis may be linked to cardiovascular disease

In a multiethnic cohort study published March 9 in Circulation: Cardiovascular Imaging, researchers found liver fibrosis may be strongly associated with a patient's history of heart failure, atrial fibrillation or coronary heart disease.

New quantitative flow ratio method tops FFR in diagnosing heart blockages

A team of international researchers showed that quantitative flow ratio (QFR) was feasible for testing coronary artery stenosis, and more accurate compared to traditional wire-based fractional flow reserve (FFR), according to a study published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Imaging.

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Infarction patterns determine benefit of dual antiplatelet therapy for stroke patients

Patients with multiple acute infarction patterns may benefit the most from dual antiplatelet therapy compared to others who have experienced a minor stroke, according to a recent study of imaging data published online March 26 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

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AI model 98% accurate in echocardiogram classification—outperforming cardiologists

A study published in the journal Digital Medicine found a trained artificial intelligence (AI) platform classified echocardiogram views with 98 percent accuracy—outperforming board-certified cardiologists.

New method may improve fractional flow reserve CT accuracy

A recent study published in the April 2018 issue of Radiology optimized a four-step approach to accurately detect hemodynamically significant intermediate-stenosis lesions, which outperformed coronary CT angiography. Researchers also found using coronary contrast opacification variations to estimate blood flow distribution may improve CT fractional flow reserve accuracy.

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Philips enhances point-of-care ultrasound with Reacts platform for remote collaboration and virtual training

Royal Philips, a global leader in health technology, in partnership with Innovative Imaging Technologies (IIT), today announced an industry-first integrated tele-ultrasound solution based on Philips' Lumify portable ultrasound system and powered by IIT's Reacts collaborative platform.

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Brain scanner helmet ideal for children who can't keep still

A neuroimaging helmet may be a breakthrough for children with epilepsy, babies or patients with physical disorders, according to a March 21 article published by Reuters.

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.