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.

AI tool detects PE missed by rads

Commercially available AI tool detects 76% of PE that rads initially missed on CT

Improving the detection of pulmonary embolism has been a popular target among multiple AI vendors.

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CT colonography utilization has doubled over the last decade

That number is expected to grow even more in the coming years, as the exam serves as a noninvasive alternative to colonoscopy, while also providing more accurate results than stool tests. 

The imaging iodine contrast shortage is delaying procedures and causing rationing at hospitals. impact is it having on hospitals and the tough decisions that are being made to triage patients to determine if they will get a contrast CT scan or an interventional or surgical procedure requiring contrast. Photo by Dave Fornell

Higher radiation doses don't always improve CT image quality

Dose reduction protocols vary across scanners and organizations. This can create inconsistencies in both image quality and measuring patients’ total radiation exposure. 

CT guided bone marrow biopsy

CT guided bone marrow biopsies cost 13 times more than non-image guided procedures, without improving specimen quality

A new analysis offers a thorough overview of the factors that influence providers’ decision to utilize image guidance and how they affect expenditures.

CT scan of a Coca-Cola bottle rectal foreign body. There are a sizable number of emergency room cases each year for items people insert into their rectums that become lodged or lost inside the colon. This includes many types of household items beyond vibrators and commercially made butt plugs. Ghonaim E, Rectal foreign body. Case study, Radiopaedia.org.

PHOTO GALLERY: Abdominal, pelvic and rectal foreign bodies

This is a clinical photo gallery showcasing the uncommon findings of foreign bodies in pelvic and abdominal CT and X-ray, often from emergency room visits. 

HeartFlow introduced its next generation artificial intelligence (AI) Plaque Analysis with an interactive experience at SCCT 2024. It shows a 3D plaque model and analysis by territory across calcified, non-calcified and low-attenuation plaques. This includes viewing cross-sectional, color-coded images of each plaque type where it was quantified along the vessel. #SCCT #SCCT24 #SCCT2024

Updated HeartFlow technology offers interactive features, full integration with FFR-CT 

HeartFlow is using SCCT 2024 to introduce the world to its updated Plaque Analysis platform. “Accurately diagnosing a patient’s risk for coronary artery disease is critical for determining the best treatment," Chief Medical Officer Campbell Rogers, MD, explained.

Contrast protocols based on lean body weight save supplies, reduce patient risk

Adjusting contrast dose based on a patient’s lean body weight provides the same image quality as other administration methods, new data show.

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Former smokers who vape now still need to be screened for lung cancer. Many of them aren't

Despite kicking their initial habit, these individuals remain at risk of developing lung cancer due to their history of smoking cigarettes, current use of e-cigarettes, or both, experts caution.

Around the web

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.

The newly cleared offering, AutoChamber, was designed with opportunistic screening in mind. It can evaluate many different kinds of CT images, including those originally gathered to screen patients for lung cancer. 

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