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.

Mark Rabbat, MD, director of cardica CT at Loyola, discusses legislative advocacy efforts by SCCT to gain wider reimbursement for cardiac CT. #SCCT #SCCT23 #SCCT2023

SCCT hopes to increase cardiac CT reimbursements through advocacy

Mark Rabbat, MD, discusses the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography's efforts to make an impact by lobbying in Washington. 

October 3, 2023
Newsweek ranked the 50 best heart hospitals in the world

Cardiologists to celebrate World Heart Day with CCTA webinar

The free webinar, scheduled for Sept. 29, will examine the benefits of using CCTA and FFR-CT to manage chest pain patients. 

September 27, 2023
Video interview with Martha Gulati, MD, was the lead author of the 2021 chest pain guidelines and shares impacts.

Cardiac CT gaining popularity due to chest pain guidelines, cost savings

Cardiologist Martha Gulati, MD, lead author of the 2021 chest pain guidelines, explained how the document may have contributed to the rise of cardiac CT. "These guidelines have made it harder for people to push back and say you don't need this test," she said. 

September 20, 2023
CTA images before TAVR to screen for coronary artery disease

Cardiac CT before TAVR detects CAD with high accuracy, suggesting a reduced need for invasive imaging

New research from a team of specialists at Cleveland Clinic included data from more than 2,000 TAVR patients.

August 31, 2023
SCCT 2023 poster presentations

New research on AI-based CCTA assessments wins Best Abstract at SCCT 2023

Out of more than 250 abstracts submitted at its annual meeting in Boston, SCCT named one winner and two runners-up. 

August 4, 2023
SCCT President Ed Nicol, MD, explains key trends trends in cardiac CT imaging at the 2023 meeting. #SCCT #SCCT23 #SCCT2023

Key trends and takeaways in cardiac CT at SCCT 2023

Several key trends at the 2023 annual meeting of the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography were outlined by society President Ed Nicol, MD, including AI, reimbursement issue, business management discussions, and a growing interest in cardiac CT leading to record attendance this year.

August 1, 2023
HeartFlow's RoadMap technology where AI reads the image in a first pass to highlight areas of interest with for the radiologist or cardiologist on coronary CT scan. The technology was shown to reduce reading time by 25%.

Three studies show value of AI to speed cardiac CT reads and soft plaque evaluation 

AI to help interpret cardiac CT was shown to reduce exam read times to improve workflow efficiency, and improve patient diagnostics with additional information on soft plaques. Data was presented in three HeartFlow AI technology studies at SCCT 2023.

July 31, 2023
Image of a bioprosthetic valve within the RVOT from the SCCT's congenital heart disease guidelines

SCCT shares new recommendations on use of CT imaging to guide congenital heart disease treatment

The group collaborated with two other medical societies, SCAI and CHSS, on the expert consensus document. 

July 20, 2023

Around the web

Eleven medical societies have signed on to a consensus statement aimed at standardizing imaging for suspected cardiovascular infections.

Kate Hanneman, MD, explains why many vendors and hospitals want to lower radiology's impact on the environment. "Taking steps to reduce the carbon footprint in healthcare isn’t just an opportunity," she said. "It’s also a responsibility."

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