Articles tagged with Cardiac Imaging
Researchers developed a deep learning network using data from over 20,000 patients to predict annualized risk for heart attack or death. The network identified regions of the heart associated with high-risk patients and provided rapid risk scores.
A study of 1,597 Big Ten athletes revealed a notable increase in the detection of myocarditis following COVID-19 infection, highlighting the importance of cardiac screening. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging proved to be an effective tool for identifying this condition, a leading cause of sudden death in competitive athletes.
A new AI algorithm developed by Brigham and Women's Hospital can automatically measure coronary artery calcium from routine CT scans, predicting cardiovascular events like heart attacks. The system was validated in over 20,000 individuals and highly correlated with manual scores, showing promise for personalized medicine.
A study published in Radiology: Cardiothoracic Imaging demonstrates the safety of performing MRI exams in patients with non-MR compatible cardiac devices, including those who are pacemaker-dependent or have abandoned leads. The results showed no adverse events and improved diagnosis and treatment plans for patients.
A study published by the American Heart Association found that brain activity in the inferior frontal lobe is associated with the severity of self-reported angina and frequency of chest pain among people with coronary artery disease. The researchers also discovered that stress-related factors, including depressive symptoms and PTSD, we...
The American Journal of Roentgenology is implementing an author-centered peer-review system to streamline the submission process and provide rapid initial decisions. The journal is also rapidly publishing accepted manuscripts as Online First, expediting timely research for radiologists and allied scientists.
Noninvasive magnetographic imaging of muscle activity allows spatial and temporal mapping of physiological electric currents, enabling studies of the cardiac cycle and lower back pain. This breakthrough method offers diverse applications in medical research and could provide new insights into muscle function and pain mechanisms.
Researchers developed an automated AI technique to analyse CMR scan images, precisely quantifying blood flow to the heart muscle. The results showed a strong correlation between reduced blood flow and adverse health outcomes, including death, heart attack, stroke, and heart failure.
Di Carli is recognized as an outstanding clinician-scientist, teacher, and mentor, known for pioneering work in cardiovascular radionuclide imaging and services. His research has contributed to understanding ischemic cardiac dysfunction and using positron emission tomography (PET) for guiding management of patients with end-stage heart...
Ultrasound imaging of carotid arteries reveals clog extent and cardiovascular risk; combining data with traditional risk factors improves prediction accuracy. Early intervention through therapies like lipid lowering can lower cardiovascular event risk in patients with psoriatic disease.
A new method called cardiac functional MRI eliminates the need for injections or physical stress testing, providing a safer and more detailed way to diagnose heart disease. The technique uses oxygenation-sensitive MRI to measure how well the heart's blood vessels are working to deliver oxygen.
The article explores quality improvement in cardiovascular imaging, highlighting the importance of consistency in result reporting, patient safety, and efficient care delivery. Successful projects and strategies for teaching QI to medical trainees are also discussed.
The article discusses the importance of multimodality imaging training for general and advanced cardiology fellowships. The ideal training models remain undetermined, leaving uncertainties about manpower needs and cardiologist expertise.
A new imaging technique called volumetric multi-spectral optoacoustic tomography (vMSOT) offers advantages over conventional methods for assessing cardiovascular disease risk. vMSOT provides detailed information about the makeup of plaque in carotid arteries, associated with vulnerability to rupture and stroke.
Researchers found that combining iodine-123 metaiodobenzylguanidine (123I-MIBG) SPECT imaging with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) helps identify specific subsets of heart tissue more prone to arrhythmias. This approach enables physicians to achieve improved VT suppression and shorter procedure times.
A team of researchers, led by UH professor Kirill Larin, is investigating the relationship between mechanical factors and genetic pathways in embryonic heart development. Understanding this connection can help prevent congenital heart defects, which claim one out of every 100 baby lives in the US.
The Lipid-Rich Plaque (LRP) study found a significant correlation between non-flow-limiting lipid-rich plaques detected by NIRS-IVUS and the development of major adverse cardiac events. The study showed that patients with higher maxLCBI4mm values had a higher risk of experiencing non-culprit MACE events within 24 months.
Researchers developed an imaging signature to detect subclinical cardiac injury in lupus patients, revealing inflammation as the underlying pathophysiological mechanism. The new diagnostic method using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) improves detection and monitoring of heart involvement without radiation or contrast agents.
The adult ventricular septum plays a crucial role in both the right and left ventricles' performance. Advanced imaging techniques reveal its mechanical patterns, which may help predict adverse cardiovascular events.
A recent study by UCLA researchers found that low-cost, high-volume services account for a large portion of unnecessary healthcare spending in the US. The study analyzed data from Virginia's healthcare system and found that these services cost the state over $586 million in 2014.
A new study by Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute found that MRIs can be safely performed on patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices. The study evaluated 212 MRI studies in 178 patients and did not find any problems requiring remediation.
The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging has published appropriate use criteria (AUC) for hepatobiliary scintigraphy in abdominal pain. The new guidelines aim to ensure cost-effective and appropriate utilization of advanced diagnostic imaging services, helping referring physicians make informed decisions.
Researchers are developing new imaging tools to identify abnormalities that cause heart attacks, with the potential to save thousands of lives each year. The project aims to create new chemicals to illuminate unstable plaques in patients, enabling doctors to pinpoint people at higher risk of heart attack.
The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) has published appropriate use criteria for ventilation/perfusion imaging in pulmonary embolism. The guidelines aim to promote cost-effective and appropriate utilization of advanced diagnostic imaging services, affecting approximately 300,000 Americans each year.
Under the PAMA provision, physicians will need to consult CMS-approved computer-based clinical decision support mechanisms when ordering advanced imaging procedures. The CMS will collect data for two years before implementing prior authorization for 'outlier' physicians, which may limit access to these procedures.
Researchers at Nocturnal and GW are developing a new generation of catheters for treating atrial fibrillation with real-time lesion visualization tools. The technology aims to improve treatment options for millions of people affected by the condition.
Researchers found that myocardial fibrosis in obstructive sleep apnea patients is associated with increased risk of heart failure hospitalization and death. The study suggests that quantifying myocardial fibrosis could help identify patients at higher risk, paving the way for a personalized approach to treating cardiovascular disease.
A new cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging technique removes the need for patients to breathe, allowing for higher quality images in less time. The lack of motion enables physicians to accurately plan radiation therapy fields, leading to improved patient outcomes.
Babies born with transposition of the great arteries have a surgical procedure, called the arterial switch operation, to correct the defect. Research found that adolescents whose coronary arteries were reimplanted in the 12 o'clock position are more prone to perfusion defects and potential complications.
The £43m study will create the biggest collection of scans of internal organs, transforming the way scientists study diseases like dementia, arthritis, cancer, heart attacks, and strokes. This will give new perspectives on preventing and treating multi-faceted conditions.
A new study combines optical coherence tomography (OCT) with near-infrared autofluorescence (NIRAF) imaging to identify fibroatheromas, advanced lesions prone to rupture. The technique provided more accurate information on molecular composition and inflammation in arterial plaques.
Researchers used a 7T MRI scanner to visualize myocardial injury in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, detecting minute clefts that were previously impossible to see. The technology offers high-resolution imaging and could lead to more accurate diagnoses of heart diseases.
Researchers used MRI and CT scans on human hearts over 400 years old to identify signs of heart disease, such as plaque and atherosclerosis. Three of the five hearts showed evidence of disease, while one appeared healthy.
An analysis of seven clinical services found significant declines in imaging for headaches and cardiac imaging in low-risk patients. The study, part of the Choosing Wisely campaign, aimed to reduce unnecessary medical procedures and treatments.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that adding two non-invasive imaging tests to traditional cardiovascular disease risk factor assessment can more accurately predict a healthy patient's future risk of heart attack, stroke, or premature death. The study identified subclinical atherosclerosi...
The study found that cardiac PET/CT imaging diagnosed heart problems with certainty 88% of the time, while SPECT imaging gave a clear diagnosis only 30% of the time. This technology reduces unnecessary invasive procedures and radiation exposure by a factor of 10.
A new study by Mount Sinai Heart and CNIC in Spain reveals two waves of heart muscle inflammation after a heart attack, contradicting previous consensus. The researchers discovered the first wave occurs immediately after the attack and subsides, followed by a second wave that arises a week later.
A new study found that overuse of cardiac stress testing with imaging in the US leads to unnecessary radiation exposure, healthcare costs, and potential cancer risk. The researchers estimated that at least 34.6% of tests were probably inappropriate, resulting in $501 million annual costs and 491 future cases of cancer.
Researchers developed new methods to reduce imaging time in myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) by up to 50%, making scans easier for patients. The methods also correct errors caused by patient movement, resulting in error-free MPI images.
A recent study published in Journal of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography found that advanced CT scanning equipment significantly reduces patient radiation exposure. The use of newer generation, dual-source CT scanners resulted in a 61% decrease in radiation exposure compared to older scanners.
The study analyzed low-value care in Medicare and found potential signs of overuse. It suggests that unnecessary services may be prevalent in the program, highlighting opportunities for improvement.
A study found a substantial decrease in the use of nuclear myocardial perfusion imaging from 2006 to 2011, with a 51% relative decline. The study suggests changing physician behavior and declines in incident coronary disease contributed to the reduction.
Guohua Cao is developing a novel, five-dimensional micro-computer tomography scanner to image atherosclerotic plaques in transgenic mouse models. The system combines three separately developed technologies to provide high spatial and temporal resolution images of small animals.
Researchers identify 18F-NaF as a promising tool to detect high-risk coronary plaques in patients with stable and unstable heart disease. The study suggests that this non-invasive technique could transform the way doctors identify, manage, and treat patients at risk of heart attacks.
Researchers used near-infrared spectroscopy to detect lipid core plaque in narrowed arteries of 20 patients experiencing a STEMI. The study found that the characteristic makeup of arterial plaque blocking an artery and causing a heart attack can be identified in living patients.
A comparative heart imaging study found that PET/MR measures up to PET/CT in cardiac applications, with comparable results for heart muscle viability assessment. The technology has implications for future studies into ischemic cardiomyopathy and arrhythmia development after cardiac arrest.
A study found that limited scar burden was linked to improved heart contraction and reversal of wall thinning in patients with coronary artery disease. Regional myocardial wall thinning may represent viable myocardium with potential for recovery, challenging current views on the condition.
A team of researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital used innovative technology to identify the origins of new cardiac cells. They found that these cells primarily arose from existing heart muscle cells, rather than stem cells, in a process that may be limited by age.
Researchers have achieved two significant 'firsts' in studying the human cardiac protein alpha-tropomyosin, which controls heart contraction on every beat. By direct imaging, they found individual molecules to be roughly 40 nanometers long and demonstrated their flexibility, establishing a baseline for normal protein function.
A Stanford study reveals that an invasive heart test is being dramatically overused, particularly among patients who recently underwent similar tests. The study found that the procedure, left ventriculography, was performed as an add-on during coronary angiograms at a rate of 81.8% in some cases, despite less-invasive methods available.
Researchers found that Cardiac MRI identified a new or alternate explanation for arrhythmias in 50% of patients, often revealing inflammation of the heart muscle or small heart attacks that went undetected. CMR outperformed standard cardiac imaging tests in diagnosing cardiac causes, leading to improved patient outcomes.
Researchers developed a new technique called Electromechanical Wave Imaging (EWI) that can map transient events and image the entire heart within a single beat. This allows for non-invasive diagnosis of non-periodic arrhythmias like atrial and ventricular fibrillation.
Researchers used MRI and PET/CT to prove the efficacy of dalcetrapib in preventing atherosclerosis progression and reducing vascular inflammation over 24 months. The study found significant reductions in atherosclerotic disease progression and arterial inflammation, suggesting a promising new treatment for cardiovascular disease.
The National Physicians Alliance recommends limiting antibiotic prescribing, avoiding imaging for low back pain, and not ordering cardiac screening tests in low-risk patients. The suggestions aim to make primary care more affordable and efficient while improving patient health.
Cardiac patients can now receive a reduced radiation dose during diagnostic perfusion imaging, thanks to new image-processing software. The study found that images produced with a half-dose protocol were of similar quality to those obtained with conventional protocols, while reducing the patient's exposure to radiation.
A new study reveals that women are 60% more likely than men to experience radiocontrast-induced nephropathy, a type of kidney damage, after undergoing coronary angiograms. Researchers theorize that a woman's smaller size may be a contributing factor, suggesting potential adjustments to contrast dye dosages.
A study in JAMA found that multiple cardiac imaging tests are common and associated with a high cumulative estimated radiation dose for patients. The study revealed that myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) accounts for the highest radiation burden, with many patients receiving doses over 100mSv.
A new protocol significantly reduced radiation exposure in children undergoing electrophysiology procedures, with a 22% reduction in X-ray machine time and 52% reduction in dose entering the skin. The protocol also showed a 51% reduction in median effective dose, correlating to decreased lifetime cancer risk.
Recent research suggests that measuring fatty tissue around the heart is an even better predictor of major heart problems. Noninvasive CT scanning can provide this important information. The researchers conclude that assessment could add meaningfully to clinical risk assessment and generate CT information regarding plaque buildup.
Research led by Dr. James White has developed a novel 3D imaging technique to visualize myocardial scar tissue and coronary blood vessels in a single image. This breakthrough may improve targeting of blood vessels for therapy in patients requiring pacemakers, bypass surgery or angioplasties.