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.

Is CT overused on patients involved in car crashes?

These exams can place an added burden on both patients and healthcare staffers, according to new research.

Field Museum using CT scans to study mummified subjects.

Mobile CT unit helps Field Museum experts gain new insight into ancient history

Using computed tomography allows researchers to study these individuals in a more sensitive, person-centered approach.

Bayer's new CT contrast injection system earns FDA clearance.

New contrast injection system inks FDA clearance

The system can be set up in as little as two minutes and needs just 20 seconds to prime in between patients.

‘A huge win’: CMS significantly increases Medicare payments for cardiac CT

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.

HeartLung Technologies, a Houston-based artificial intelligence (AI) company, has received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for new software that assesses chest CT scans for signs of coronary artery disease (CAD) and other potentially fatal heart conditions. The newly cleared offering, AutoChamber, was designed with opportunistic heart evaluations in mind.

FDA clears AI tool that flags signs of heart disease in chest CT scans

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.

Patients without PCPs struggle to access lung cancer screening, despite eligibility

It is estimated that up to one-third of the U.S. population does not have a primary care provider.

differentiating between malignant and vaccine-related lymphadenopathy

7 COVID vaccine complications: The radiologist's role in identifying adverse reactions

Although serious adverse events related to COVID-19 vaccines are rare, some are life-threatening. It is important that radiologists are aware of how these complications present.

Medicare coverage expands again for AI-enabled coronary plaque assessments

Another MAC has agreed to cover the use of these advanced technologies to evaluate patients for signs of coronary artery disease.

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.