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.

Machine learning model quickly and accurately predicts outcomes for TBI patients

The model combines clinical data with imaging from head CT scans in individuals with severe traumatic brain injuries to quickly predict 6-month outcomes.

April 26, 2022

Ischemic stroke CT scan showing color coded blood flow for early and later arterial and venous contrast phases and areas of blocked blood flow. Image courtesy of RSNA

Disparities evident as CT stroke imaging rises sharply over 7-year period

Utilization of head CT perfusion (CTP) for imaging stroke patients spiked 428% between 2012 and 2019. Curiously, the uptrend was associated with higher mortality up to a year after discharge.

April 25, 2022

Radiology imaging of two wounded civilians with bullet and shrapnel embedded in tissue. Left is a digital X-ray of a patient with shrapnel in the chest and a bullet in the leg who was brought to the National Children's Specialized Hospital in Kyiv. Right, a 3D CT scan reconstruction of a bullet in the chest of a 40-year-old father who as attempting to evaculate his wife and child from the Russian advance near Kyiv when the Russians opened fire on him. Image from the Ukraine Heart Institute in Kyiv.

Radiologists in Ukraine helping the war effort as Russia continues to attack

Many radiologists stepped up to do their part for the war effort by staying at their hospital posts and helping the wounded as they started coming in.

April 22, 2022

CT scans find prone position increases lung recruitment for COVID-19 patients

Using CT scans and EIT, researchers from an Italian hospital shed light on the specific benefits of the prone position for intubated COVID-19 patients.

April 21, 2022

Cardiac computed tomography (CCT) is an accurate, noninvasive imaging test that should be a first-line tool when treating patients with obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD), rather than cath lab angiography angiograms, according to new findings published in the New England Journal of Medicine.[1]

Why cardiologists and radiologists are choosing cardiac CT over invasive angiography for suspected CAD

"A CT-first strategy allows physicians to provide relevant findings without the need for an invasive procedure," one radiologist explained.

April 20, 2022

PHOTO GALLERY: Duly Health adopts outpatient cardiac CT as a standard of care

Duly Health and Care in suburban Chicago recently opened a new outpatient cardiac evaluation center equipped with a dedicated cardiac CT system, which will likely be a new business model that will be seen more in the coming years.

April 20, 2022

Ischemic stroke CT imaging. Images courtesy of RSNA

VA telestroke program prevents unnecessary hospital transfers and improves rural outcomes

A new study of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Health Administration (VHA) National Telestroke Program shows the program prevents unnecessary hospital transfers for stroke patients and increases outcomes for patients at rural VA clinics.

April 19, 2022

Leslee Shaw, PhD, and former presidents of both SCCT and ASNC discusses the role of CT and FFR-CT in the 2021 chest pain guidelines.

VIDEO: Cardiac CT now recommended as a front-line chest pain assessment tool

Leslee Shaw, PhD, director of the Blavatnik Family Women’s Health Research Institute at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York and former president of the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (SCCT) and the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology (ASNC), explains the role of cardiac computed tomography (CT) in the recent 2021 chest pain guidelines.

April 19, 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.