Emory University researchers are launching a study to assess a new procedure known as cardiac myocardial CT perfusion imaging, the medical school said Nov. 10.
Late last month, the Atlanta university became the first in Georgia to perform cardiac CTP imaging, which is completed alongside CT angiography.
The group is now organizing research to compare the novel heart imaging technique against nuclear stress testing, also known as PET myocardial perfusion imaging. They believe cardiac CTP can help doctors better plan treatments and therapies.
“The added value is that we can provide function and anatomical assessment in one session using a single modality,” said Carlo De Cecco, MD, PhD, professor of radiology and imaging sciences at Emory’s School of Medicine and director of the Translational Lab for Cardiothoracic Imaging and Artificial Intelligence. “That means we can see both where the coronary arteries are blocked and how much—it’s kind of a one-stop-shop approach,” he added.
Cardiac CTP relies on iodine contrast agents or vasodilator drugs such as adenosine/Regadenoson instead of conventional catheters. It’s similar to PET-based myocardial perfusion scanning but does not require radioactive probes, thus reducing total radiation dosage.
Cecco and colleagues plan to enroll 30 participants who are referred to undergo myocardial PET perfusion imaging for heart-related problems and who also have abnormal baseline test results.
The entire scan, including CTA, is completed in 30-40 minutes. Siemens is funding the study which will utilize the company’s SOMATOM Force machines.
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Matt joined Chicago’s TriMed team in 2018 covering all areas of health imaging after two years reporting on the hospital field. He holds a bachelor’s in English from UIC, and enjoys a good cup of coffee and an interesting documentary.