Computed Tomography

Computed tomography (CT) is a fast and accurate imaging modality often used in emergency settings and trauma imaging. CT scans, with or without (or both) iodinated contrast are frequently used to image the brain, chest, abdomen and pelvis, but also have post-imaging reconstructive capabilities for detailed orthopedic imaging. It is now a standard imaging modality in emergency rooms to quickly assess patients. CT uses a series of X-ray images shot as the gantry rotates around the patient. Computer technology assembles these into into a dataset volume than can be slices on any access, or advanced visualization software can extract specific parts of the anatomy for study. Find more content specific to cardiac CT.

New publicly available deep learning model for CT organ segmentation in children shows promise
The model was developed and validated specifically for liver, spleen and pancreas segmentation, and outperformed a publicly available segmentation model already in use.
A significant amount of imaging orders in emergency settings are inappropriate
A general lack of awareness pertaining to ACR appropriateness criteria could be a driving factor behind the misguided requisitions, authors of a new analysis suggest.
AI improves CT assessments, boosts care for real-world heart patients
Automated AI-generated measurements combined with annotated CT images can improve treatment planning and help referring physicians and patients better understand their disease, explained Sarah Jane Rinehart, MD, director of cardiac imaging with Charleston Area Medical Center.
ChatGPT shows 'significant promise' in guiding contrast-related decisions
This could be especially helpful when timely clinical decisions relative to the use of a contrast agent need to be made.
Actionable tips imaging departments can implement to reduce energy consumption
With the earth’s warmest March on record in 175 years barely in the rearview mirror, a team of radiology experts says medical imaging must step up its sustainability efforts.

VIDEO: Example of photo-counting cardiac CT with calcified coronaries

Siemens Healthineers showed examples at ACC 2022 of cardiac computed tomography (CT) from its new Naeotom Alpha photon-counting CT scanner cleared by the FDA in 2021.

May 4, 2022

Lung cancer risk increases with emphysema severity

Researchers analyzed a total of 21 studies that included more than 107,000 patients who had undergone CT assessments to examine associations between emphysema and lung cancer.

May 3, 2022

The American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association have collaborated on a new update to the much-discussed 2021 chest pain guidelines. The American College of Emergency Physicians and Society for Cardiac Angiography and Interventions also contributed to the document.

CT colonography screening remains widely underutilized

The results of a survey completed by more than 13,000 respondents who were eligible for the cancer screening revealed that less than 2% of eligible participants underwent CTC exams.

April 29, 2022

Statin reduces risk for non-obstructive CAD patients but no significant risk reduction for aspirin

The results of a study published in Radiology: Cardiothoracic Imaging call into question the value of initiating aspirin therapy in certain instances.

April 29, 2022

Heartflow FFR-CT allows noninvasive assessment of a patient'c coronary arteries without the need for a diagnostic angiogram.

VIDEO: HeartFlow FFR-CT sees increased interest after inclusion in the 2021 Chest Pain Guidelines

HeartFlow’s non-invasive cardiac computed tomography derived fractional flow reserve (FFR-CT) technology enables FFR values for the entire coronary tree of a patient using just a CT scan. This can show the significance of any coronary plaque lesions and if a patient needs to be sent to the cath lab for revascularization, or if they can be treated medically.

April 28, 2022

An example of a lung cancer found using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT). Image courtesy of RSNA

Stratifying patients by risk of poor outcomes could reduce overtreatment of lung cancer

Researchers are using radiomics to narrow patient cohorts down to those who are at the greatest risk of poor lung cancer outcomes.

April 27, 2022

Ischemic stroke CT imaging. Images courtesy of RSNA

Stroke care still lags among certain Medicare populations

Despite increases of 250% for CTA and 428% for CTP, researchers observed lower rates of neuroimaging utilization among rural residents, older individuals (80 years and above), women and Black patients.

April 27, 2022

AI spots pancreatic cancer in its earliest stages

Experts involved in the study suggest their findings could eventually be used to detect pancreatic cancer in its earliest stages when patients are most likely to respond to interventions favorably.

April 26, 2022

Around the web

Cardiovascular Business

AI improves CT assessments, boosts care for real-world heart patients

Automated AI-generated measurements combined with annotated CT images can improve treatment planning and help referring physicians and patients better understand their disease, explained Sarah Jane Rinehart, MD, director of cardiac imaging with Charleston Area Medical Center.

Cardiovascular Business

AI predicts cardiovascular risk during CT scans—no invasive tests or contrast required

Two advanced algorithms—one for CAC scores and another for segmenting cardiac chamber volumes—outperformed radiologists when assessing low-dose chest CT scans.

Radiology Business

Google teams with Bayer to address radiologist burnout via AI

"Gen AI can help tackle repetitive tasks and provide insights into massive datasets, saving valuable time," Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud, said Tuesday.