Growing interest in cardiac imaging is raising the heart rates of many CT specialists. Multislice 64-channel scanners are showing their mettle in clinical practice, serving up fast, nearly motion-free heart scans in a wide range of applications once reserved for more invasive modalities like conventional coronary angiography.
Sixty-four-slice CT is even generating interest among cardiologists, who have traditionally downplayed cardiac CT's clinical utility relative to other tests. As a result, a major turf battle is shaping up as the two specialties jockey for position in hopes of controlling what could be heart imaging's next big thing.
Some cardiologists may find that they can't live without radiologists, however, given the need for someone to interpret the pesky incidental findings that can pop up outside the heart. The two sides may ultimately forge a détente that enables both to maintain an interest in the technology.
Another growth area for CT is in radiation oncology, where a number of vendors have rolled out new versions of their scanners featuring extra-wide bores to accommodate the special positions required of patients when planning radiation treatment.
Some surprises are undoubtedly in store for RSNA attendees. One vendor, for example, has been hinting at a new "dual-source CT" technology that may involve more than one x-ray tube, while another company's work-in-progress 256-slice system is being featured in a pair of scientific sessions.
A couple vendors will also be entering the U.S. CT market -- one an established firm with a recognizable marque and the other a start-up making its RSNA debut. Meanwhile, CT aficionados should keep an eye peeled for signs of the next major leap in technology.
