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.

Imaging experts slam Humana for ‘ill-informed and wrong’ decision to deny coverage for PET/CT exams

The pair said that without hearing a solid argument, they will be "relentless" in opposing the insurance giant's coverage determination.

November 18, 2020

Simple questionnaire spots patients with ‘silent’ CAD who may benefit from follow-up cardiac imaging

Results from the 30,000-patient CArdioPulmonary BioImage Study were presented during the American Heart Association's virtual meeting.

November 13, 2020

Top nuclear imaging group ‘strongly disagrees’ with Humana’s decision to refuse coverage for PET/CT

The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging said the move denies patients access to potentially lifesaving technologies.

November 12, 2020

Top cardiac society releases new guidelines for training radiology students in cardiovascular CT

The Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography recently published its 14-page guidance online.

November 6, 2020

CAC scanning proves aspirin is not a one-size-fits-all way to prevent heart attack, stroke

Doctors can rely on coronary artery calcium scanning to help more patients avoid a first major cardiac event, according to new research published in JAMA Cardiology.

October 28, 2020

Fasting before contrast-enhanced CT exams is unnecessary, experts say

In some instances, not eating solid foods can actually make patients feel sick, leading to nausea and dehydration, researchers explained recently.

October 23, 2020

MRI safely performed in patients with cardiac devices long-considered to be incompatible

It’s great news for the millions who rely on implanted devices such as pacemakers, but were prohibited from undergoing MRI exams.

October 22, 2020

Pairing FFR, OCT imaging predicts risk of major adverse cardio events in patients with diabetes

In light of their findings, providers should consider adopting the approach in clinical practice, researchers said during the Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics conference.

October 15, 2020

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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

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