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 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.
Radiology AI company gains FDA clearance for new CT offerings focused on PE, stroke
The newly approved AI models are designed to improve the detection of pulmonary embolisms and strokes in patients who undergo CT scans.

William A. Zoghbi, MD, MACC, FAHA, FASE, is the chair of the Department of Cardiology at the Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart and Vascular Center, and past president of both the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE).

VIDEO: New advances in echocardiography

William A. Zoghbi, MD, past president of the ACC and ASE, discussed the latest trends in cardiac ultrasound technology.

March 15, 2022

An example of a noninvasive coronary CT scan on the left and an invasive angiogram of the same patient on the right from a recent RSNA study. The CT shows more information on the calcified nature of the plaque and shows more anatomical information beyond what the angiogram provides.

CT a low-risk imaging alternative to invasive coronary angiography for suspected CAD

The new analysis focused on data from 16 different European countries.

March 4, 2022

The mitral valve seen on 3D cardiac ultrasound offers a noninvasive surgeon's view of the valve for better diagnostics and pre-planning of structural heart procedures. Example from the GE Vivid E95 FlexiLight photo-realistic 3D/4D lighting system.

Q&A: William Zoghbi breaks down the future of echocardiography

In a new interview, former ACC and ASE President William A. Zoghbi, MD, reviews some of the biggest trends in cardiac ultrasound.

February 24, 2022

A heart attack is caused when one of the coronary arteries becomes blocked with a clot.

Photon-counting CT boosts image quality and reader confidence in identifying coronary artery disease

The approach outperformed an energy-integrating detector dual-layer CT system and significantly improved image quality, according to a study published in Radiology.

February 18, 2022

A new artificial intelligence tool can detect heart disease on cardiovascular MRI scans in seconds with equal or superior precision as clinicians.

Cardiac MRI a powerful tool for predicting sudden cardiac death, arrhythmia after CIED implantation

The study's authors suspect their findings could improve patient selection for CIEDs.

February 17, 2022

Isotope shortage update: Target restart date for downed reactor has been set

The supply of Mo-99 and Lu-177 is expected to normalize in the coming weeks, according to the most recent announcement from the Nuclear Medicine Europe Emergency Response Team.

February 16, 2022

University's research reactor increases medical isotope production in wake of supply disruption

“Our dedicated staff are committed to getting lifesaving treatments delivered to the patients who need them,” MURR's executive director said in a statement on Feb. 9.

February 9, 2022

Isotope update: Target date for resuming production of Mo-99 still unclear

Production of Lu-177 is expected to resume on Saturday, Feb. 12, but the Mo-99 supply shortage could continue for weeks.

February 8, 2022

Around the web

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.

Cardiovascular Business

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.

Cardiac Imaging

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

Radiology AI company gains FDA clearance for new CT offerings focused on PE, stroke

Around the web