Cardiac Imaging

While cardiac ultrasound is the widely used imaging modality for heart assessments, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and nuclear imaging are also used and are often complimentary, each offering specific details about the heart other modalities cannot. For this reason the clinical question being asked often determines the imaging test that will be used.

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.
CT procedure shown to reduce need for invasive cardiac testing
In a study, CT-FFR was shown to reduce the need for invasive tests to measure coronary artery blockage from 74.5% to 25.5%.
First-in-human trial shows potential of guiding CABG with cardiac CT and AI—no ICA required
An independent heart team blinded to ICA results was able to deliver helpful guidance for CABG procedures for 99.1% of patients using just CCTA and FFR_CT alone. This approach is safe and feasible, researchers wrote, and the next step is to gather additional data.
Cardiology, radiology groups urge insurance provider to rethink imaging policy
SCAI and four other major healthcare organizations signed a joint letter in support of intravascular ultrasound.

Video of Mahadevappa Mahesh, PhD, incoming-AAPM president, professor of radiology and a medical physicist, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, explains key trends in imaging physics presented at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) 2023 meeting.

6 key trends in medical imaging physics

Mahadevappa Mahesh, PhD, incoming American Association of Physicists in Medicine president, discusses key developments in the specialty.

February 14, 2024

Video interview with Marielle Scherrer-Crosbie, MD, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, who explains details of creating a cardio-oncology program, whoi should be involved and the role of cardiac imaging.

Key things to remember when creating a cardio-oncology program

Marielle Scherrer-Crosbie, MD, explains what is needed to create a cardio-oncology program, and the role played by cardiac imagers.

February 12, 2024

Marielle Scherrer-Crosbie, MD, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, discusses the latest trends in cardiac strain echo.

Interest in strain echo imaging is rising, but hurdles remain

Marielle Scherrer-Crosbie, MD, told Cardiovascular Business that the current lack of reimbursement for strain echocardiography has been a challenge for care teams.

February 9, 2024

Video interview with ASNC President Lawrence Phillips, MD, NYU, who is encouraging the modernization of nuclear cardiology labs and expansion into new diagnostic areas.

ASNC president pushes to modernize nuclear cardiology, expand the specialty's reach

ASNC President Lawrence Phillips, MD, wants to see nuclear cardiologists modernize their labs and embrace new strategies for the evaluation of amyloidosis, sarcoidosis and inflammation.

February 7, 2024

transthoracic echocardiogram images from 2024 ASE guidelines

American Society of Echocardiography shares updated expert recommendations on pediatric, neonatal echo

These new guidelines provide a fresh look at topics ASE has not addressed with official society recommendations in many years.

February 6, 2024

CT-first strategy the most effective path forward when evaluating stable chest pain

Heart teams have several options when patients present with stable chest pain and require further testing. According to a brand new analysis of nearly 800 patients, CCTA may be the best place to start.

February 1, 2024

Philips received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for a compact transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) ultrasound transducer. The X11-4t Mini 3D TEE transducer was designed to improve image quality when evaluating certain patient populations, including pediatric patients and adults who present with a heightened risk of complications.

FDA clears smaller 3D TEE transducer for imaging children, high-risk adult patients

The newly approved device is much smaller than previous offerings, helping operators capture 3D images during structural heart evaluations.

January 31, 2024

Jeremy Slivnick, MD, presents at the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) 2023 meeting on how artificial intelligence (AI) can help make echocardiography better able to detect subtle signs of early cardiac amyloid disease when it is easier to treat with better outcomes. ssistant professor of medicine and an advanced cardiac imager at the University of Chicago.

AI models for cardiac amyloidosis could make a world of difference

Jeremy Slivnick, MD, spoke with Cardiovascular Business about AI's potential to transform how cardiac amyloidosis is diagnosed and treated.

January 30, 2024

Around the web

Cardiovascular Business

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.

Cardiovascular Business

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.

Radiology Business

Google teams with Bayer to address radiologist burnout via AI

"Gen AI can help tackle repetitive tasks and provide insights into massive datasets, saving valuable time," Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud, said Tuesday.

Cardiac Imaging

AI improves CT assessments, boosts care for real-world heart patients

AI predicts cardiovascular risk during CT scans—no invasive tests or contrast required

CT procedure shown to reduce need for invasive cardiac testing

First-in-human trial shows potential of guiding CABG with cardiac CT and AI—no ICA required

Cardiology, radiology groups urge insurance provider to rethink imaging policy

Around the web