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Radiologists find a technique to significantly reduce patient radiation dose during CT angiography

Researchers at Medical College of Wisconsin used prospective electrocardiogram (ECG) gating to significantly reduce patient radiation dose during CT angiography. The study compared retrospective and prospective ECG gating techniques, finding that image quality was equivalent but radiation doses differed substantially.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateSep 21, 2009

Results from the PRAGUE-7 study

The PRAGUE-7 study, a randomized trial, investigated the effect of routine upfront administration of abciximab on outcomes in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients complicated by cardiogenic shock. The study found no significant benefit from this approach, with similar results seen between groups receiving standard or selective ab...

Results from NORDISTEMI

The NORDISTEMI study found that patients in rural areas with long transfer delays experience improved treatment outcomes with thrombolysis followed by immediate angiography. The results suggest an early invasive strategy may be preferable to conservative management, reducing the risk of death, reinfarction, or stroke.

Pulmonary CT angiography identifies disease and injury beyond the pulmonary arteries in children

A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that CT angiography can identify diseases and injuries beyond the pulmonary arteries in children. Researchers evaluated 89 CTA exams with suspected pulmonary embolism and found alternative diagnoses in 59% of cases, including pneumonia and atelectasis.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateAug 19, 2009

Radiologists can dramatically lower cardiac CT radiation dose in some patients

A study at the University of Erlangen found that reducing tube voltage from 120 kV to 100 kV lowered cardiac CT radiation doses in adult patients weighing 185 pounds or less by 39% without compromising image quality. The lower dose resulted in effective radiation doses ranging from 4.9 to 11.9 mSv, compared to 8.8 to 16.9 mSv at 120 kV.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateApr 3, 2009

Coronary angiography may improve outcomes for cardiac arrest patients

A study published in Journal of Intensive Care Medicine found that patients who received coronary angiography after cardiac arrest were twice as likely to survive without significant brain damage. Coronary angiography, an imaging procedure that shows blood flow through the heart, was independently associated with good neurologic outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Intensive Care Medicine·DateMar 31, 2009

Individualized stroke treatment available for patients, though underutilized

Researchers found that 89% of patients treated with catheter-based therapy (CBT) showed significant improvement in neurologic disability and NIHSS score. CBT may be an effective alternative for ischemic stroke patients ineligible for intravenous thrombolysis, with potential benefits including earlier treatment windows.

SourceWiley·JournalCatheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions·DateMar 26, 2009

Women and South Asians with angina have worse clinical outcomes

A recent study found that women and South Asians with typical pain were more likely to receive an incorrect diagnosis of angina pectoris. Despite this, they had lower rates of angiography and coronary interventions compared to men and white people. Patients with atypical chest pain also faced significant risks for cardiac disease.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateSep 22, 2008

Same-day coronary angiography and surgery safe for many patients

Researchers at Mayo Clinic have successfully developed a protocol for performing coronary angiography on the same day as elective valve surgery, reducing the need for separate hospital visits and improving patient outcomes. The study, which evaluated 226 consecutive patients, showed that 28.3% had severe coronary artery disease requiri...

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateMay 23, 2007

SCAI issues recommendations to prevent kidney damage after imaging procedures

The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions recommends assessing kidney function, ensuring patient hydration, and minimizing NSAID use to lower the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy. CIN is estimated to occur in 1-3% of individuals undergoing procedures with contrast dyes.

SourceSociety for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions·JournalCatheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions·DateDec 11, 2006