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.

No need for updated imaging prior to major surgery in some cases, new data show

Prior chest imaging can sometimes be just as predictive of adverse events after surgery as updated imaging, according to new data set to be presented at the annual conference of the American College of Cardiology on March 5. 

March 2, 2023
A figure from the ASE pediatric POCUS guidelines showing parasternal short-axis view demonstrating RV dilatation with bowing of the septum into the left ventricle, indicating pulmonary hypertension in this child with shock and pertussis.

New ASE guidance examines cardiac POCUS in children

The recommendations were developed by a writing group comprised of experts from different specialties, offering an array of perspectives and approaches.

March 2, 2023

Dual source CT scanners shown to expedite treatment in emergency settings

Dual source CT scanners can eliminate the need for beta blockers to control heart rates during coronary CTA exams.  

March 1, 2023

Fatal accident calls MRI safety standards into question—are more regulations needed?

There are a number of well-intended recommendations for preventing MRI injuries, but many of them stop short of implementing safety requirements.

February 24, 2023
The ACC released a new guideline asking interventional cardiologists to use intravascular imaging to improve outcomes in percutanous coronary intervention (PCI). Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is a catheter-based imaging technology that allows physicians to visualize blood vessels from the inside out. Image courtesy of Philips. 

ACC urges all interventional cardiologists to use intravascular imaging during PCI

New recommendations from the American College of Cardiology detail how intravascular imaging can help clinicians before, during and after PCI procedures. 

February 16, 2023

Radiomics can predict major cardiac events using CCTA images

A CCTA-based radiomics method was recently found to be more accurate in identifying potentially problematic plaques than conventional CCTA anatomical parameters alone.

February 15, 2023
A CT coronary calcium scoring exam at Northwestern Medicine's Central DuPage Hospital in the Chicago Suburbs. Dave Fornell

The remaining gaps in evidence for cardiac CT

While the ACC/AHA 2021 Chest Pain Assessment Guidelines included cardiac CT angiography as a top level recommendation, gaps in evidence still need to be filled.

February 10, 2023
DiA Imaging Analysis, an Israel-based healthcare technology company, has gained U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for LVivo IQS, a new software solution designed to help users acquire high-quality echocardiography images.

FDA clears new AI-powered cardiac imaging solution

The newly approved software uses artificial intelligence to provide users with real-time feedback related to image quality.

February 6, 2023

Around the web

The newly approved AI models are designed to improve the detection of pulmonary embolisms and strokes in patients who undergo CT scans.

"I see, at least for the next decade, this being a SPECT and PET world, not one or the other," explained Tim Bateman, MD.

The FDA-approved technology developed by HeartFlow can predict a patient's long-term risk of target vessel failure as well as more invasive treatments performed inside a cath lab. 

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