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.

GE HealthCare launches new cardiac CT scanner with advanced AI capabilities
GE HealthCare designed the new-look Revolution Vibe CT scanner to help hospitals and health systems embrace CCTA and improve overall efficiency.
Many CT techs unprepared to manage adverse contrast reactions
Though rare, some reactions can be life-threatening, making the understanding of how to appropriately manage them a critical aspect of a technologist's responsibilities.
Percutaneous transthoracic core needle biopsy: 3 factors that influence procedural success
A new analysis in Clinical Radiology is intended to help guide interventional radiologists in their decision-making processes regarding PCNB to reduce the likelihood of diagnostic failure.
New scanners and strategies for the ‘golden age of CCTA’
As coronary CT angiography (CCTA) continues its rapid expansion, scanner vendors are now offering more economical solutions to ensure access to imaging technology beyond premium systems most often only found at flagship hospitals and academic centers. To conquer CCTA’s technical challenges, new technologies and AI are being incorporated into a new scanner to simplify acquisition and consistently improve image quality.
Ultralow-dose CT aids in diagnosing pneumonia among immunocompromised patients
In a prospective study involving 54 adults, ultralow-dose CT, denoised with deep learning, “substantially” cut radiation exposure while accurately detecting pneumonia.

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.

‘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.

Body CT scans detect infection areas among ICU patients with sepsis

While guidelines stress the importance of quickly eradicating the underlying source of infection, data on the best imaging strategy remains lacking, researchers reported.

RSNA21: Deep learning automatically labels coronary arteries to produce structured CCTA reports

The algorithm yielded a 94.4% accuracy for labeling arteries in accordance with the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography guidelines.

AI performs well when detecting intracranial hemorrhage on brain CT, but further research is ‘critical’

Experts cited positive findings but stopped short of recommending convolutional neural networks as the go-to standard of care for detecting ICH.

Deep learning image reconstruction decreases radiation dose 43% on coronary CTA scans

The algorithm doesn't add nor lose any image information needed to assess coronary plaques, experts said.

Patients prefer spiral breast CT over digital mammography—and diagnostic results are comparable

Premenopausal women benefit most from spiral breast computed tomography, experts said this week.

CMS says evidence is sufficient to expand Medicare coverage for low-dose CT lung cancer screening

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services wants to lower the starting age from 55 down to 50 while also modifying required smoking pack-years.

Around the web

Cardiovascular Business

GE HealthCare launches new cardiac CT scanner with advanced AI capabilities

GE HealthCare designed the new-look Revolution Vibe CT scanner to help hospitals and health systems embrace CCTA and improve overall efficiency.

Cardiovascular Business

Bracco updates HeartSee coronary flow capacity software with new diagnostic features

Clinicians have been using HeartSee to diagnose and treat coronary artery disease since the technology first debuted back in 2018. These latest updates, set to roll out to existing users, are designed to improve diagnostic performance and user access.

Cardiovascular Business

Key trends in diagnostic heart testing: CT on the rise as some traditional techniques fall out of favor

The cardiac technologies clinicians use for CVD evaluations have changed significantly in recent years, according to a new analysis of CMS data. While some modalities are on the rise, others are being utilized much less than ever before.