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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Virtual, augmented reality revolutionizing med education, anatomy imaging

Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) present human anatomy education with a new set of tools for many academic institutions.

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76% stroke patients had gadolinium in eyes after MRI exams

An unexpected finding involving gadolinium-based contrast agents and stroke patients has prompted researchers from the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) to further explore the ocular effects of MRI exams in stroke patients.

DIY heart ultrasound? Nonprofit thinks it's feasible

The democratizing power of technology is undeniable—it has put a world of information into a person’s pocket or purse. Cardiac ultrasound, however, isn’t exactly top of mind for technologies that will be the next DIY sensation. But one nonprofit plans to introduce a handheld imaging device to increase availability of ultrasound while reducing costs.

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Cardiothoracic MRIs in the ICU, are they effective enough?

For patients in the intensive care unit (ICU), a successful cardiothoracic MRI is challenging but beneficial for those with intact renal function, according to a new retrospective study published in Academic Radiology. 

Wearable MRI scanner can diagnose cancer—and may eventually read minds

A new device that functions the same way as an MRI machine could change the way clinicians diagnose cancer and heart disease. Its developers also say it could eventually read people's minds. 

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Why a crash diet may crash your heart's overall function

A new MRI study presented at the Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (CMR) 2018 conference in Barcelona has found that crash diets can cause temporary deterioration in heart function, according to a report by Science Daily.  

Coronary artery disease imaging technology covered by 7 new payers

The noninvasive technology HeartFlow FFRct Analysis, which allows clinicians to view a 3D model of a patient's coronary blood flow will now be covered by seven new commercial payers issuing medical policies, according to a recent article by Cardiovascular Business.  

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Robot-assisted histotripsy ablation noninvasively creates ablation zones

Robotically assisted sonic therapy (RAST) has proven to be effective in producing clinically relevant hepatic ablation zones without being invasive to the subject, according to a new study published in Radiology.  

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.