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.

Radiomics-clinical model accurately predicts osteoporotic spinal fracture timeline on CT images

When MRI is not feasible, computed tomography of the spine could offer a quick solution for diagnosing acute versus chronic fractures.

February 7, 2022

Specific chest CT findings linked with increased mortality in COVID patients

Three abnormalities, including pleural effusion and nodular consolidation, were all independent predictors of 30-day in-hospital mortality.

February 2, 2022

Machine learning uses CT images to predict survival odds of melanoma patients

A unique radiomic signature forecasted overall survival in patients with advanced melanoma and could be used to help providers choose specific therapies.

January 25, 2022

Simple quality improvement measures reduce problematic CT overuse for liver imaging

Updated department protocols dropped the median monthly number of abdominopelvic CTs with and without contrast from 74 scans down to 53, experts explained in Current Problems in Diagnostic Radiology.

January 20, 2022

Deep learning decreases CT radiation dose by 65% in patients with liver metastases

Scans using a smaller dose were accurate when detecting lesions 0.5 cm or larger but more research into low-contrast lesions is still necessary, experts cautioned.

January 11, 2022

Bolus tracking with individualized delays for abdominal multiphase CT beats fixed delay protocols

Current bolus tracking technology remains limited by the fixed delay before the start of a scan, experts explained in the European Journal of Radiology.

January 3, 2022

An example of a life-like 3D rendering made from a photon-counting CT scan on the Naeotom Alpha system from Siemens.

First clinical photon-counting CT tops past 50 years of technology, with ‘striking’ improvements

The FDA-cleared machine reduced noise by up to 47% and offers new information that can change patient management, Mayo Clinic experts said.

December 14, 2021

‘One-stop shop’ CT protocol boosts definitive diagnostic rates in patients with acute chest pain

The comprehensive approach yields crucial information usually obtained via CT and MRI, which can cut time to diagnosis, experts explained.

December 8, 2021

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.