Computed Tomography

Computed tomography (CT) is a fast and accurate imaging modality often used in emergency settings and trauma imaging. CT scans, with or without (or both) iodinated contrast are frequently used to image the brain, chest, abdomen and pelvis, but also have post-imaging reconstructive capabilities for detailed orthopedic imaging. It is now a standard imaging modality in emergency rooms to quickly assess patients. CT uses a series of X-ray images shot as the gantry rotates around the patient. Computer technology assembles these into into a dataset volume than can be slices on any access, or advanced visualization software can extract specific parts of the anatomy for study. Find more content specific to cardiac CT.

AI automation could 'revolutionize' Crohn's Disease severity CT assessments
Machine learning models could help create a more standardized, reproducible and efficient way of grading Crohn’s disease severity in the small bowel based on CT imaging.
New publicly available deep learning model for CT organ segmentation in children shows promise
The model was developed and validated specifically for liver, spleen and pancreas segmentation, and outperformed a publicly available segmentation model already in use.
A significant amount of imaging orders in emergency settings are inappropriate
A general lack of awareness pertaining to ACR appropriateness criteria could be a driving factor behind the misguided requisitions, authors of a new analysis suggest.
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.
ChatGPT shows 'significant promise' in guiding contrast-related decisions
This could be especially helpful when timely clinical decisions relative to the use of a contrast agent need to be made.

Nauman Mushtaq, MD, Northwestern Medicine, explains the value of CT coronary calcium scoring for patients and for the cardiology business model.

The many benefits of using low-cost CT coronary calcium scoring to screen patients

CT calcium scoring provides valuable evaluations of intermediate-risk patients in addition to making good business sense for hospitals. Nauman Mushtaq, MD, an interventional cardiologist with Northwestern, shared his own experience with this technology.

March 1, 2024

A cardiology practice in Florida and several of its cardiologists have agreed to pay $2 million to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act and committed fraud. As a part of the agreement, there has been no determination of liability.

Missed cancer diagnosis results in $3M judgment for terminal patient

Peninsula Imaging told Mary Raver in 2014 that a cancerous growth was benign. She now has 18 months to live.

February 29, 2024

Joseph Swicklik, RT, Mayo Clinic, demonstrates how to use magic to calm pediatric patients during imaging exams.

Using 'magic' to calm pediatric patients during imaging exams

Joseph Swicklik, RT(R)(CT), Mayo Clinic, says magic tricks can help calm pediatric patients to overcome anxiety and make medical imaging exams run much smoother.

February 26, 2024

artificial intelligence AI heart cardiology

Cleerly’s AI software for noninvasive FFR estimates receives a Category 1 CPT code

The company officially launched its Cleerly ISCHEMIA software for delivering noninvasive evaluations of CCTA exams in early 2024. This update provides a closer look at the software from a billing perspective.

February 23, 2024

Examples of photon-counting coronary angiography showing how clarity improves as the thickness of the image is reduced. Top: 60-year-old female, with noncalcified plaque (arrowheads) and coronary stenosis (inset images). The reduced section thickness did not affect assessment in this patient. Bottom: 56-year-old female with calcified plaque (arrowheads) and coronary stenosis. The reduced section thickness leads to less calcium blooming and therefore a less severe percentage of stenosis. Courtesy of RSNA

Coronary artery disease classification improved with photon-counting CT

After a photon-counting CT, 54% of patients had their coronary artery disease classification downgraded.

February 20, 2024

Video of Mahadevappa Mahesh, PhD, incoming-AAPM president, professor of radiology and a medical physicist, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, explains key trends in imaging physics presented at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) 2023 meeting.

6 key trends in medical imaging physics

Mahadevappa Mahesh, PhD, incoming American Association of Physicists in Medicine president, discusses key developments in the specialty.

February 14, 2024

Micro-CT used to scan mysterious wormlike reptiles

The underground life of an Amphisbaenia has not been easy to study.

February 13, 2024

Music eases anxiety during imaging. But, don’t let patients pick their playlist

Not all genres are equal in a clinical setting.

February 9, 2024

Around the web

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.