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.

chest pain lung pulmonary embolism

Image quality is not an issue for AI model that detects pulmonary embolisms on CT

CTPA is the standard of care for diagnosing PE, but suboptimal scans make it difficult to reach a diagnosis. A new Clinical Imaging study tests the effectiveness of AI when image quality is lacking.

Specialized CT protocol reveals small airways disease in COVID long haulers

Up to 30% of individuals with "long COVID" continue to suffer from lingering coughs and dyspnea months after recovering from the infection, despite having milder cases.

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Intrathoracic complications in COVID patients: Incidence, associations and outcomes

New research published in Clinical Imaging links specific adverse findings on chest imaging of COVID patients to ICU admission, need for intubation and length of hospital stay. 

Examples of two lung cancers that were caught using low dose CT lung screening. Image from RSNA

Q&A: What updated reimbursement policies could mean for CT lung screening rates in the United States

The ACR said a recent reimbursement rule change for low-dose computed tomography (CT) lung screen scans will help open up screening to more patients. 

Radiologists call for standardized imaging criteria for diagnosing pancreatitis in children

A recent analysis conducted on interobserver agreement when diagnosing chronic pediatric pancreatitis has raised some concerns about the need for more standardized diagnostic criteria.

chest pain lung pulmonary embolism

CT is a safe, comparable alternative to invasive coronary angiography for chest pain work-ups

Patients who underwent CTA experienced fewer procedure-related cardiovascular events compared to a group who had invasive coronary angiography exams, experts explained recently.

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Simple, proven strategies to reduce extravasation of contrast media during CT scans

Though adverse events after subcutaneous extravasation of contrast media during CT scans are not common, serious complications can occur, experts report in Academic Radiology.

CT scan showing lung cancer nodules with measurements of each nodule to track growth or regression from treatment. Image courtesy of RSNA

ACR outlines changes in Medicare lung cancer screening coverage

The American College of Radiology recently released a detailed summary of the National Coverage Determination related to screening for lung cancer with low dose CT.

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.