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 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.
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.
Medicare drops AUC requirement for advanced imaging, ASNC celebrates
"This was an unneeded burden, which was solely adding to the administrative hassles of medicine," said American Society of Nuclear Cardiology President Larry Phillips.
New imaging protocols proposed to curb rise of cardiovascular infections
Eleven medical societies have signed on to a consensus statement aimed at standardizing imaging for suspected cardiovascular infections.
Coronary calcium scoring predicts when chest pain patients can skip invasive testing
Using CT to perform coronary artery calcium scoring on symptomatic chest pain patients can deliver significant value, according to a new data published in Radiology.

James K. Min named editor-in-chief of Journal of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography

James K. Min, MD, has been chosen to be the new editor-in-chief of the Journal of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (JCCT), the official journal of the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (SCCT). He will serve a five-year term.

May 1, 2018

James Min named editor-in-chief of Journal of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography

Vienna, VA (April 25, 2017) — James K. Min, MD, FSCCT, has been selected for a five-year term as the new editor-in-chief of the Journal of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (JCCT). He in turn has named Todd C. Villines, MD, FSCCT, as executive editor along with Gudrun Feuchtner, MD.

May 1, 2018

Non-hospital-based facilities offering cardiac imaging services a rarity in Massachusetts

In 2017, Anthem implemented a new policy that requires outpatient MR and CT scans not considered medically necessary to be completed at a freestanding imaging facility to receive coverage. This went into effect in several states, sparking its fair share of controversy along the way, and a team of Boston-based researchers wanted to know how such a policy could impact patient care in Massachusetts.

March 5, 2018

Noted cardiologist Jagat Narula receives SCCT award

Jagat Narula, MD, PhD, received the Arthur S. Agatston Cardiovascular Disease Prevention award from the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (SCCT).

May 25, 2016

Budoff wins SCCT’s 2016 gold medal award

The Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (SCCT) announced that Matthew J. Budoff, MD, had won its 2016 Gold Medal Award.

April 25, 2016

An ambulance-based mobile stroke unit created by the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) Medical School and Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center (TMC). The vehicle has a small head CT scanner to enable imm edit imaging to confirm if a patient had a stroke and what type before they arrive at the hospital to enable faster door to repercussion times, or faster door to tPA administration times. The unit also has a telemedicine system so a neurologist can evaluate patients remotely.

CT-based Mobile Stroke Care

Germany's ground-breaking use of CT scanners in ambulances to assess for possible stroke inspired one program in Houston to follow suit. Supporters predict it will transform care in the future.

September 2, 2014

Coronary artery calcification often unreported in CT angiography studies

Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is often not reported in pulmonary CT angiography studies, requiring CAC assessment by radiologists in demographics at risk, according to a study published in the April issue of the American Journal of Roentgenology.

April 21, 2014

Example of a curved MPR image reconstruction of entire length of of a coronary artery on a cardiac CT scan to better show calcified and soft plaque burden inside the vessel. The thumbnail dots on the left side of the image are cross sectional views of the vessel. Siemens example on the expo floor.

The CCTA Playbook: A Guide to Coding, Reimbursement and Operations

A compendium of the business intelligence required to launch a CCTA service

March 2, 2009

Around the web

Health Imaging

New imaging protocols proposed to curb rise of cardiovascular infections

Eleven medical societies have signed on to a consensus statement aimed at standardizing imaging for suspected cardiovascular infections.

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What does radiology have to do with climate change?

Kate Hanneman, MD, explains why many vendors and hospitals want to lower radiology's impact on the environment. "Taking steps to reduce the carbon footprint in healthcare isn’t just an opportunity," she said. "It’s also a responsibility."