Articles tagged with Cardiac Imaging
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.
Researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have successfully transplanted adult stem cells into injured hearts, improving pumping efficiency for a year in a mouse model. The study used innovative imaging techniques to track the stem cells' location and performance over time.
The Journal of Nuclear Medicine published a supplement on cardiovascular molecular imaging, discussing its potential to diagnose heart diseases earlier. The publication combines various imaging techniques, such as ultrasound, MRI, and radiotracers, to improve management of cardiovascular disease.
Using optical-coherence tomography (OCT), researchers are documenting the formation of the mammalian heart in real-time, allowing for the first time to observe the heart beat and chamber contractions. This breakthrough technology aims to shed light on developmental processes and gene mutations that cause cardiovascular abnormalities.
A new study found nearly 70% of participants received at least one medical imaging procedure between 2005 and 2007, resulting in an average effective dose nearly double natural sources. The study highlights the need for research on the benefits and risks of medical imaging procedures to inform patient care.
Alan Davison, Alun G. Jones, and Michael J. Abrams discovered a new class of technetium complexes that showed localization in cardiac tissue after intravenous administration, leading to the development of myocardial perfusion imaging agents. Their work has enabled millions of people to receive better diagnosis and treatment for heart c...
Researchers found that brain oscillation frequency is determined by GABA concentration in the visual cortex. Higher GABA levels result in higher frequency or note, potentially leading to new treatment options for conditions like epilepsy and schizophrenia.
Experts advise against routine cardiac imaging exams for those without heart disease symptoms due to low-dose radiation risks. However, scans are still recommended for patients with symptoms or at high risk of heart disease, as the benefits outweigh the small potential risks.
Researchers developed an optical imaging technique called OFDI that visualizes areas of inflammation and plaque deposits in coronary arteries, improving understanding of coronary artery disease. The technique has the potential to diagnose and treat plaque before it leads to serious problems.
Researchers found that adding noninvasive imaging to risk-assessment protocols increased the number of people classified as high risk for heart disease. This approach is proposed by the Screening for Heart Attack Prevention and Education task force, which aims to identify more patients who could benefit from cholesterol-lowering therapy.
SNM presented special recognition awards to 7 lawmakers who support the profession. The organization highlighted their dedication to patient care and safety through initiatives like the CARE Act. SNM's annual meeting will be held June 2-6 at the Washington Convention Center.
The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging has developed a broad definition for molecular imaging, capturing the essence of an evolving and multidisciplinary field. The definition provides a concise explanation of the meaning of molecular imaging, including techniques such as radiotracer imaging, MRI, and optical imaging.
Researchers at Rambam Health Care Campus in Israel have found that PET/CT imaging can accurately diagnose and localize vascular graft-related infections. The study shows promise as a single-step, noninvasive technique for complex patients, potentially sparing unnecessary high-risk operations.
Researchers from University of Pennsylvania and Philips team demonstrate improved image quality and shorter patient scan times with advanced molecular imaging technology. The study, released at SNM's 54th Annual Meeting, shows that TOF/PET imaging can achieve better quality images in less time, benefiting patients and doctors.
Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine have developed a new imaging technology using multi-detector computed tomography (CT) and a novel contrast agent N1177 to detect high-risk plaque. This may help physicians diagnose a heart attack before it occurs, preventing cardiac events.
Researchers have developed a technology that can reduce imaging time for cardiac stress/rest tests by 50% without compromising image quality. This innovation allows for increased patient comfort and improved throughput in nuclear medicine departments, enabling more patients to be scanned without additional floor space or equipment.
A study found that SMASH imaging decreases examination time by more than eight minutes per knee examination, leading to better patient tolerance and image quality. This technique is expected to impact other areas of musculoskeletal imaging with the right coil.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that adenosine stress scans can identify women and men at high risk of death from heart disease. Diabetic women have a higher risk of cardiac death than diabetic men or other patients without diabetes, highlighting the importance of identifying patients at risk through effective therapies.
A new imaging procedure using a radiotracer has revealed the extent of myocardial tissue injury after a heart attack, even in patients who have been successfully revascularized. The study found that 81% of patients showed persistent cellular damage and 90% had perfusion defects.
The Galileo spacecraft has captured the highest-resolution images yet of three of Jupiter's four innermost moons, revealing surface features as small as 2 kilometers across. The images show a bright surface feature on Amalthea named Ida, a streak of bright material about 50 kilometers in length.
A pilot study found that patient costs for care using perfusion imaging were almost half that of conventional treatment, with a threefold reduction in total hospital stay. This strategy can give emergency room physicians greater confidence in their decision-making, while also identifying patients who need further treatment.
Developed by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, adaptive current tomography (ACT) aims to improve breast cancer screening without radiation exposure. The system uses electrical conductivity and permitivity measurements to detect tumors, offering advantages over X-ray mammography.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati create a sensor that can monitor medical imaging agents as they travel through the body and accumulate in various tissues. The probes, made from carbon fibers coated with polymer, detect changes in imaging agents and could lead to better heart health monitoring.