Computed Tomography

Cardiac computed tomography (CT) has become a primary cardiovascular imaging modality in the past 20 years, and was recommended as a 1A recommendation in the 2021 chest pain assessment guidelines. CT calcium scoring has became a primary risk assessment for coronary artery disease and whether patients should be on statins. Coronary CT angiography (CCTA) is used to for anatomical assessment of the arteries for plaque burden and to identify areas of blockage that may cause ischemia and heart attacks. Additional use of contrast CT perfusion or fractional flow reserve CT (FFR-CT) can offer physiological information on the function of the heart. CT plays a primary role in structural heart assessments for heart valves, repair of congenital defects and left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) for both pre-procedure planning and procedural guidance. Find more news on general radiology CT use.

HeartFlow Plaque Analysis Example

AI-enabled coronary plaque evaluations included in new RBM guidelines

The use of advanced AI software to assess CCTA images continues to gain more momentum.

An example of artificial intelligence automated coronary artery calcium scoring shown by Coreline at ACC23. The AI also identifies and color codes the anatomy so help show the reviewing radiologist or cardiac imager what and where things were calculated. #ACC #ACC23

Cardiology still No. 2 in FDA-cleared clinical AI algorithms, trailing only radiology

Cardiology continues to be one of the most influential healthcare specialties when it comes to utilizing artificial intelligence. 

CT imaging showing structural valve deterioration

Cardiologists, radiologists and surgeons share ‘landmark’ document on assessing prosthetic heart valves with CT

RSNA and several other industry societies have shared a new expert consensus document on the significant value of cardiac CT. Echo remains an effective first-line imaging option, the groups wrote, but CT can make a big impact as well. 

artificial intelligence heart AI

AI model gets helpful heart assessments out of nongated CT scans

"Using AI for tasks like CAC detection can help shift medicine from a reactive approach to the proactive prevention of disease," one researcher said.

Former American College of Cardiology (ACC) president Kim Allan Williams, Sr., MD, MACC, MASNC, FAHA, FESC, chair, department of medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, and an ACC delegate to the American Medical Association House of Delegates, discusses AMA Resolution 404 aimed at improving public awareness of low-dose CT lung cancer screening that can also identify coronary artery disease (CAD) ate the same time.

ACC backs AMA resolution to boost lung cancer and heart disease screenings in smokers with low-dose CT scans

Former American College of Cardiology president Kim Allan Williams, Sr., MD, an ACC delegate to the American Medical Association House of Delegates, discusses an AMA resolution aimed at improving public awareness of low-dose CT lung cancer exams that can screen for coronary artery calcium at the same time. 

Ty Bode, senior director of strategy at GE Healthcare, explains the details of a new, economical cardiac CT scanner GE Healthcare launched at the American College of Cardiology (ACC) 2025 meeting. The Revolution Vibe is designed specifically for coronary CT angiography (CCTA), but at a lower price point than the traditional high-end, flagship scanner that have traditional performed CCTA work.

A closer look at GE HealthCare's new affordable cardiac CT scanner

As cardiac CT continues to get used more and more, GE HealthCare has launched a new scanner designed to meet the needs of both outpatient imaging centers and larger hospitals. 

Imaging for chest pain: CT- and ICA-first strategies linked to similar long-term health status

These findings present additional evidence that invasive imaging tests are not necessarily more effective when it comes to evaluating patients for chest pain.

Dan Budoff explains use of CCTA to track coronary disease plaque progression

CCTA shows colchicine's impact on atherosclerosis progression

Matthew Budoff, MD, detailed new data highlighting CCTA's value when it comes to tracking the progression of coronary atherosclerosis.

Around the web

One of the most formidable societies of medical professionals in the U.S. is going toe-to-toe with Robert F. Kennedy’s HHS over changing vaccination recommendations. 

Tom Price, MD, former secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), said one way to address the growing shortage of physicians is to expand medical resident positions, but these are tied to Medicare spending so alternative means may be needed.