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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Can a screening tool ID kids who can have an MRI without anesthesia?

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology showed that the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale (mYPAS) may be able to successfully identify pediatric patients from simulation trainings who can undergo an MRI exam without the use of anesthesia.

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MRI wins gold at 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio

Up against 11,000 athletes from 206 countries, MRI won gold as the most popular imaging modality at the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.  

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New MRI prediction model may reduce prostate cancer biopsies

According to a study published in the Journal of American Medical Association, MRI-derived parameters applied to a risk model could reduce unnecessary biopsies and improve accuracy in diagnosing prostate cancer.  

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Myocardial perfusion imaging dominates coronary CT in EDs

Despite an increase of coronary CT angiography (CCTA) exams in emergency departments (EDs) in the last decade, myocardial perfusion imaging examinations (MPI) and stress echocardiography remain the dominant imaging exams for patients with acute chest pain, according to a study recently published in the American Journal of Roentgenology.

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US personnel in Cuban 'auditory attack' suffered same symptoms as brain injury

Auditory and sensory attacks that affected 21 U.S. government personnel while in Cuba in 2016 may have caused concussion-like symptoms, according to an article published by CNN. The "acoustic attacks" were first reported by the news outlet in August 2017.

Study reveals 'magic angle' in cardiac CT

According to new research in Academic Radiology, a 70-degree lead tip angle was found to ensure diagnostic image quality of all modalities in CT pacemaker imaging, leading authors to dub it the “magic angle.”

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Cardiac imaging helps predict success, failure of AFib procedure

In recent research, Johns Hopkins University researchers demonstrated success in utilizing cardiac imaging to predict the effectiveness of using catheter ablation to treat atrial fibrillation (AFib).

Broken MRI machine emits gases, causing hazmat scene at New York airport

On Saturday, Feb. 10, a damaged MRI machine started emitting dangerous gases, causing a hazardous material scare at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York, according to a report from CBS New York.  

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.