Course Description
In recent years, the rapid development of computed tomography (CT) technology has transformed cardiac imaging, providing valuable insights into diagnosing and monitoring various cardiovascular conditions. These advancements have revolutionized the field, enabling clinicians to obtain detailed anatomical and functional information about the heart and surrounding structures. The emergence of high-speed multidetector CT scanners offered improved spatial resolution, faster acquisition times, and enhanced coverage. As a result, more comprehensive assessments of coronary arteries, cardiac chambers, and valvular structures could be obtained. Other cardiac CT advancements such as dual-energy CT, dynamic CT perfusion, and coronary plaque characterization allowed for the evaluation of myocardial viability, plaque composition characterization, and hemodynamics assessment, providing crucial information for risk stratification and guiding therapeutic interventions. Innovations in cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, echocardiography, and myocardial perfusion imaging with positron emission tomography and single-photon emission CT also allowed for precise quantification of cardiac chamber volumes, myocardial mass, and ejection fraction, and provided detailed evaluation of myocardial tissue characteristics and viability. Ongoing research in hybrid imaging, artificial intelligence, and machine learning are focused on further reducing radiation dose, streamlining workflow, optimizing image quality, and enhancing the diagnostic accuracy of cardiac imaging. This CE course will delve into all of these recent technological developments, discuss their clinical applications, and what the future holds in cardiac imaging.

Learning Objectives:
After reviewing the content, the participant should be able to:

• OUTLINE the evolution of and advances in cardiac computed tomography (CT).
• SUMMARIZE the applications of cardiac CT, echocardiography, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) in diagnosing and monitoring patients with cardiovascular conditions.
• RECALL the function of and advancements in cardiac CT, echocardiography, and CMR.
• Identify future directions and challenges in development of hybrid imaging, artificial intelligence, and machine learning in cardiac imaging.
• EXPLAIN the importance of radiation dose optimization and adherence to the ALARA principle in cardiac imaging.

Categories: CT, MRI, Sonography/Ultrasound

In order to receive CE credit, you must first complete the activity content. When completed, go to the "Take CE Test!" link to access the post-test.

Submit the completed answers to determine if you have passed the post-test assessment. You must answer 15 out of 20 questions correctly to receive the CE credit. You will have no more than 3 attempts to successfully complete the post-test.

Participants successfully completing the activity content and passing the post-test will receive 1.75 ARRT Category A credits.

Approved by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists for ARRT Category A credit.

Approved by the state of Florida for ARRT Category A credit (for Technical credits).

Texas direct credits.

This activity may be available in multiple formats or from different sponsors. ARRT does not allow CE activities such as Internet courses, home study programs, or directed readings to be repeated for CE credit in the same biennium.