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.

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Deep learning recons reduce contrast and radiation doses in aortic CTA

Deep learning reconstruction cuts radiation and contrast dose by half in aortic CTA exams

A new analysis in Academic Radiology dives into the importance of finding balance between reducing radiation exposure while maintaining image quality. 

SCCT Roundtable

SCCT leaders unpack the 2025 Medicare payment increase for coronary CTA

The Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography is cheering as a “huge win” the 2025 CMS payment increase for coronary CTA that more than doubles the current payment and “better aligns with the cost of providing CCTA services." The panel expects the move to bring an increase in CT utilization, more adoption with financial sustainability and greater access in currently underutilized areas.

‘A huge win’: CMS significantly increases Medicare payments for cardiac CT

CMS has more than doubled the CCTA payment rate from $175 to $357.13. The move, expected to have a significant impact on the utilization of cardiac CT, received immediate praise from imaging specialists.

HeartLung Technologies, a Houston-based artificial intelligence (AI) company, has received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for new software that assesses chest CT scans for signs of coronary artery disease (CAD) and other potentially fatal heart conditions. The newly cleared offering, AutoChamber, was designed with opportunistic heart evaluations in mind.

FDA clears AI tool that flags signs of heart disease in chest CT scans

The newly cleared offering, AutoChamber, was designed with opportunistic screening in mind. It can evaluate many different kinds of CT images, including those originally gathered to screen patients for lung cancer. 

robot reviewing heart data

Medicare coverage expands again for AI-enabled coronary plaque assessments

Another MAC has agreed to cover the use of these advanced technologies to evaluate patients for signs of coronary artery disease. 

HeartFlow Plaque Analysis Example

New Category I CPT code issued for AI-enabled coronary plaque analysis software

The news comes just days after CMS confirmed these technologies would start receiving expanded Medicare coverage in November. HeartFlow and other AI vendors have already shared their excitement over the decision. 

FDA says CT scans sometimes damage implantable cardiac electronic devices

Despite these incidents, CT continues to be the preferred imaging technology for patients with implantable or wearable medical devices.

Example of an automated artificial intelligence (AI) assessment of soft coronary plaque from a CT scan from the vendor Cleerly. The AI gives a very detailed report of all the plaque in all the coronary vessels. Some cardiology experts believe this may be the way of the future in screening patients for early coronary disease and monitoring the impact of prevention efforts such as statins to determine if more aggressive treatments are needed.

Medicare administrative contractors approve coverage of AI-enabled quantitative CT

Four of the seven Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) announced they will now cover artificial intelligence-enabled quantitative coronary tomography (AI-QCT) and coronary plaque analysis (AI-CPA). 

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Around the web

Health Imaging
Use of AI opportunistic screening in CT for cardiovascular disease

Ron Blankstein, MD, professor of radiology, Harvard Medical School, explains the use of artificial intelligence to detect heart disease in non-cardiac CT exams.

Health Imaging
New imaging protocols proposed to curb rise of cardiovascular infections

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

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