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.

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.
SPECT still has an important role to play in nuclear cardiology
"I see, at least for the next decade, this being a SPECT and PET world, not one or the other," explained Tim Bateman, MD.

Cardiac imaging helps predict success, failure of AFib procedure

In recent research, Johns Hopkins University researchers demonstrated success in utilizing cardiac imaging to predict the effectiveness of using catheter ablation to treat atrial fibrillation (AFib).

February 13, 2018

Broken MRI machine emits gases, causing hazmat scene at New York airport

On Saturday, Feb. 10, a damaged MRI machine started emitting dangerous gases, causing a hazardous material scare at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York, according to a report from CBS New York.  

February 12, 2018

Virtual, augmented reality revolutionizing med education, anatomy imaging

Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) present human anatomy education with a new set of tools for many academic institutions.

February 9, 2018

76% stroke patients had gadolinium in eyes after MRI exams

An unexpected finding involving gadolinium-based contrast agents and stroke patients has prompted researchers from the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) to further explore the ocular effects of MRI exams in stroke patients.

February 8, 2018

DIY heart ultrasound? Nonprofit thinks it's feasible

The democratizing power of technology is undeniable—it has put a world of information into a person’s pocket or purse. Cardiac ultrasound, however, isn’t exactly top of mind for technologies that will be the next DIY sensation. But one nonprofit plans to introduce a handheld imaging device to increase availability of ultrasound while reducing costs.

February 8, 2018

Cardiothoracic MRIs in the ICU, are they effective enough?

For patients in the intensive care unit (ICU), a successful cardiothoracic MRI is challenging but beneficial for those with intact renal function, according to a new retrospective study published in Academic Radiology. 

February 7, 2018

Wearable MRI scanner can diagnose cancer—and may eventually read minds

A new device that functions the same way as an MRI machine could change the way clinicians diagnose cancer and heart disease. Its developers also say it could eventually read people's minds. 

February 5, 2018

Why a crash diet may crash your heart's overall function

A new MRI study presented at the Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (CMR) 2018 conference in Barcelona has found that crash diets can cause temporary deterioration in heart function, according to a report by Science Daily.  

February 2, 2018

Around the web

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.

Cardiovascular Business

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.

Cardiac Imaging

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

SPECT still has an important role to play in nuclear cardiology

Around the web