Why 2026 May Be an Inflection Point for Coronary CT
In a recent podcast conversation with host Dr. Linda Chu, Drs. Kavitha Chinnaiyan and Jonathon Leipsic discussed why 2026 could represent a turning point for coronary CT. From AI-enabled plaque quantification to FFRCT and evolving guideline support, their conversation highlighted how advanced imaging tools are expanding the role of CT in coronary artery disease (CAD) assessment and management.
Key Takeaways from the Podcast
For clinicians interested in the future of cardiac imaging, the episode explores how decades of research are converging to accelerate the adoption of CT-based approaches in everyday practice. Drs. Chinnaiyan and Leipsic outlined several important developments shaping the field:
- • AI-enabled plaque analysis is enabling more precise quantification and characterization of atherosclerosis beyond traditional stenosis assessment
- • FFRCT and other tools help determine whether lesions are physiologically significant, supporting more informed revascularization decisions
- • Guideline support for CT-first evaluation is strengthening the role of coronary CT in assessing patients with suspected CAD
- • Radiology–cardiology collaboration remains essential as imaging teams adopt advanced technologies and scale access to CT-based care
The momentum behind coronary CT
According to Drs. Chinnaiyan and Leipsic, the current momentum reflects more than two decades of evidence supporting the safety, diagnostic value, and clinical utility of coronary CT. With new AI-enabled tools providing deeper insight into plaque burden and disease progression, clinicians are gaining opportunities to refine risk assessment, personalize therapy, and potentially intervene earlier in the course of disease—while continuing to validate these technologies through rigorous research and clinical collaboration.
About Dr. Chinnaiyan
Dr. Chinnaiyan is a leading voice in cardiovascular imaging and preventive cardiology. She currently serves as President of the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography. In this episode, she discusses the growing clinical momentum behind coronary CT and the importance of collaboration between cardiology and radiology as advanced imaging tools become more integrated into patient care.
About Dr. Leipsic
Dr. Leipsic is an internationally recognized leader in cardiac CT and cardiovascular imaging. In this episode, he shares insights on how advances such as AI-enabled plaque analysis and FFRct are helping expand the role of coronary CT in evaluating and managing CAD.
Where can I listen to the episode?
You can stream the full episode, “The New Era of Coronary CT,” below, directly on RSNA’s Radiology Podcast website, or wherever you get your podcasts (including Apple Podcasts and Spotify).
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