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.

Former SCCT president Eric Williamson, MD, FSCCT, vice chair for radiology informatics and AI at Mayo Clinic, presented the session one staffing challenges and provided insights into recruitment and retention strategies for physicians and technologists in the field. #SCCT #SCCT23 #SCCT2023 #cardiovascularbusiness

How to address staffing shortages in cardiac CT

Eric Williamson, MD, a former SCCT president, examined recruitment and retention strategies for physicians and technologists in the field of cardiac CT. 

Video of Brian Ghoshhajra, MD, Mass General, explaining some of the top trends in cardiac CT from SCCT 2023 meeting. #SCCT #SCCT23 #SCCT2023 #YesCCT

Top trends in cardiac CT from SCCT 2023

Cardiac CT has been evolving rapidly in recent years. Brian Ghoshhajra, MD, outlined some of the main trends he has seen at the 2023 annual meeting of the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography.

Video interviuew with Ginger Biesbrock, DSc, PA-C, FACC, executive vice president of MedAxiom, on the "Financial Impact of Cardiac CT to the Cardiovascular Service Line" report at SCCT 2023. #SCCT #YesCCT #Medaxiom

Cardiac CT's financial impact on the cardiovascular service line

Implementing cardiac CT can make a big impact across the service line without reducing the use of other modalities. Ginger Biesbrock, MedAxiom's executive vice president, explained these findings in a new video interview.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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Photon-counting technology offers new opportunities in imaging high-risk CAD patients

Coronary CT angiography is commonly used to assess patients at low or intermediate risk of CAD but is less effective in high-risk patients with an increased presence of coronary calcifications and stents due to the “blooming” effect they have on imaging.

Around the web

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

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