2<\/p>\n
CT systems: photon-counting CT (NAEOTOM Alpha.Peak) and dual-source CT (SOMATOM Force)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
4,500+<\/p>\n
cardiac CT examinations per year<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Level III<\/p>\n
EACVI-certified cardiac CT experts lead the program<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
![\"Volume-rendered](\"https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/cardiolab\/files\/2026\/10\/cardiolab-ccta-vrt-calcified-rca-cpr.jpg\")
<\/a><\/div>\nCoronary CT angiography: volume rendering and curved planar reformation of a calcified right coronary artery.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
What we do<\/p>\n
Clinical imaging, research and core lab under one roof<\/h2>\n\n\n\nClinical cardiac CT<\/h3>\n
All aspects of cardiac imaging for the Heart and Vascular Center: coronary CT angiography, structural and procedural planning, aortic imaging and post-transplant follow-up.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\nResearch<\/h3>\n
Quantitative plaque and pericoronary adipose tissue phenotyping, myocardial perfusion, photon-counting CT, novel post-processing tools, outcome studies and AI-based approaches for novel biomarkers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\nCore laboratory<\/h3>\n
Standardised CT analysis for sponsored and investigator-initiated multicentre trials, including longitudinal plaque progression studies and CT-guided PCI.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nOur focus is clinical translation: we evaluate how new CT technology and analysis tools change diagnosis, risk stratification and management, not only image quality. We work in close collaboration with the electrophysiology and haemodynamic laboratories and with the other cardiac imaging modalities of the Heart and Vascular Center.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Our approach to AI<\/p>\n
Independent clinical validation<\/h2>\n
CardioLab does not develop its own AI software. We clinically validate third-party, AI-based plaque analysis and CT post-processing tools against established reference standards, providing independent evidence on their accuracy and clinical value. Together with partner research groups, we also test new technologies \u2014 for example, the capabilities of photon-counting CT detectors in dedicated phantom studies.<\/p>\n
Experience<\/p>\n
Ten years of cardiac CT: how our expertise was built<\/h2>\n
Our expertise has grown step by step since 2015: from image acquisition and reconstruction, through quantitative plaque and functional imaging, to photon-counting CT and outcome research. Each step was built on systematic validation against reference standards.<\/p>\n
\n\n2015\u20132017<\/p>\n
Image quality, reconstruction and protocols<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\nWe started with the fundamentals of CT acquisition and image reconstruction, including how iterative model reconstruction changes coronary artery calcium scores. This work laid the technical basis for reliable quantitative measurements.<\/p>\n
Key paper: Int J Cardiovasc Imaging 2015<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n2017\u20132020<\/p>\n
Quantitative plaque, function and structural imaging<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\nWe moved from image quality to quantitative phenotyping: structured CAD-RADS reporting, CT-derived left ventricular and left atrial strain validated against echocardiography, and subclinical leaflet thrombosis and reverse remodelling after TAVI.<\/p>\n
Key papers: J Cardiovasc Comput Tomogr 2017<\/a> \u00b7 J Cardiovasc Comput Tomogr 2019<\/a> \u00b7 Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging 2020<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n2020\u20132023<\/p>\n
Plaque progression and perfusion<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\nSerial CT showed that CAD-RADS can miss plaque progression in almost half of patients, which led to our practical guidance on how to quantify coronary plaque. We also linked total plaque volume to ischaemia on dynamic perfusion CT.<\/p>\n
Key papers: Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging 2022<\/a> \u00b7 Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging 2022<\/a> \u00b7 Front Cardiovasc Med 2022<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n2023\u2013today<\/p>\n
Photon-counting CT and clinical translation<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\nWith photon-counting CT we systematically compared ultra-high-resolution imaging with energy-integrating CT: stenosis against quantitative coronary angiography, plaque quantification and in-stent restenosis. In parallel, outcome analyses showed that the benefit of statins increases with CT-defined disease severity, and that high-risk plaque carries prognostic weight comparable to obstructive disease.<\/p>\n
Key papers: Eur Radiol 2023<\/a> \u00b7 Circ Cardiovasc Imaging 2024<\/a> \u00b7 Radiology 2025<\/a> \u00b7 JACC Cardiovasc Imaging 2025<\/a> \u00b7 Eur J Radiol 2026<\/a> \u00b7 Eur Radiol 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nValidation track record<\/p>\n
What we have validated<\/h2>\n\n\n\nReconstruction algorithms<\/h3>\n
Iterative, model-based, quantum iterative and deep-learning reconstruction: effects on calcium score, plaque volumes, image noise and stenosis measurement.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\nCT strain<\/h3>\n
Left ventricular and left atrial strain by CT against echocardiography; atrial strain and reverse remodelling after TAVI.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\nPlaque analysis software<\/h3>\n
Semi-automated and AI-based plaque quantification tools: reproducibility and agreement across energy-integrating and photon-counting CT.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\nCT-FFR<\/h3>\n
On-site CT-FFR against invasive FFR, including non-culprit lesions after acute coronary syndrome.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\nPhoton-counting CT vs invasive reference<\/h3>\n
Stenosis against quantitative coronary angiography, obstructive disease against invasive angiography, and in-stent restenosis, including OCT-confirmed cases.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\nPhantom ground truth<\/h3>\n
Calcium, iodine and low-attenuation plaque fidelity in dedicated phantoms, with optimisation of kernels, reconstruction strength and energy levels.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nCurrent focus<\/p>\n
Where ten years of validation work is heading now<\/p>\n
\n\n\nPlaque validation on photon-counting CT<\/h3>\n
Phantom and intravascular imaging (IVUS\/OCT) as ground truth for plaque quantification.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\nIntervention planning<\/h3>\n
CT-guided PCI, calcified lesions, stents and in-stent restenosis.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\nPerfusion<\/h3>\n
Dynamic myocardial CT perfusion and tissue characterisation with photon-counting CT.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Leadership<\/p>\n
Who leads CardioLab<\/h2>\n
Clinical cardiac CT<\/h3>\n
All aspects of cardiac imaging for the Heart and Vascular Center: coronary CT angiography, structural and procedural planning, aortic imaging and post-transplant follow-up.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Research<\/h3>\n
Quantitative plaque and pericoronary adipose tissue phenotyping, myocardial perfusion, photon-counting CT, novel post-processing tools, outcome studies and AI-based approaches for novel biomarkers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Core laboratory<\/h3>\n
Standardised CT analysis for sponsored and investigator-initiated multicentre trials, including longitudinal plaque progression studies and CT-guided PCI.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Our focus is clinical translation: we evaluate how new CT technology and analysis tools change diagnosis, risk stratification and management, not only image quality. We work in close collaboration with the electrophysiology and haemodynamic laboratories and with the other cardiac imaging modalities of the Heart and Vascular Center.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Our approach to AI<\/p>\n
Independent clinical validation<\/h2>\n
CardioLab does not develop its own AI software. We clinically validate third-party, AI-based plaque analysis and CT post-processing tools against established reference standards, providing independent evidence on their accuracy and clinical value. Together with partner research groups, we also test new technologies \u2014 for example, the capabilities of photon-counting CT detectors in dedicated phantom studies.<\/p>\n
Experience<\/p>\n
Ten years of cardiac CT: how our expertise was built<\/h2>\n
Our expertise has grown step by step since 2015: from image acquisition and reconstruction, through quantitative plaque and functional imaging, to photon-counting CT and outcome research. Each step was built on systematic validation against reference standards.<\/p>\n
2015\u20132017<\/p>\n
Image quality, reconstruction and protocols<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
We started with the fundamentals of CT acquisition and image reconstruction, including how iterative model reconstruction changes coronary artery calcium scores. This work laid the technical basis for reliable quantitative measurements.<\/p>\n
Key paper: Int J Cardiovasc Imaging 2015<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n 2017\u20132020<\/p>\n Quantitative plaque, function and structural imaging<\/p>\n<\/div>\n We moved from image quality to quantitative phenotyping: structured CAD-RADS reporting, CT-derived left ventricular and left atrial strain validated against echocardiography, and subclinical leaflet thrombosis and reverse remodelling after TAVI.<\/p>\n Key papers: J Cardiovasc Comput Tomogr 2017<\/a> \u00b7 J Cardiovasc Comput Tomogr 2019<\/a> \u00b7 Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging 2020<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n 2020\u20132023<\/p>\n Plaque progression and perfusion<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Serial CT showed that CAD-RADS can miss plaque progression in almost half of patients, which led to our practical guidance on how to quantify coronary plaque. We also linked total plaque volume to ischaemia on dynamic perfusion CT.<\/p>\n Key papers: Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging 2022<\/a> \u00b7 Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging 2022<\/a> \u00b7 Front Cardiovasc Med 2022<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n 2023\u2013today<\/p>\n Photon-counting CT and clinical translation<\/p>\n<\/div>\n With photon-counting CT we systematically compared ultra-high-resolution imaging with energy-integrating CT: stenosis against quantitative coronary angiography, plaque quantification and in-stent restenosis. In parallel, outcome analyses showed that the benefit of statins increases with CT-defined disease severity, and that high-risk plaque carries prognostic weight comparable to obstructive disease.<\/p>\n Key papers: Eur Radiol 2023<\/a> \u00b7 Circ Cardiovasc Imaging 2024<\/a> \u00b7 Radiology 2025<\/a> \u00b7 JACC Cardiovasc Imaging 2025<\/a> \u00b7 Eur J Radiol 2026<\/a> \u00b7 Eur Radiol 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Validation track record<\/p>\n Iterative, model-based, quantum iterative and deep-learning reconstruction: effects on calcium score, plaque volumes, image noise and stenosis measurement.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Left ventricular and left atrial strain by CT against echocardiography; atrial strain and reverse remodelling after TAVI.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Semi-automated and AI-based plaque quantification tools: reproducibility and agreement across energy-integrating and photon-counting CT.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n On-site CT-FFR against invasive FFR, including non-culprit lesions after acute coronary syndrome.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Stenosis against quantitative coronary angiography, obstructive disease against invasive angiography, and in-stent restenosis, including OCT-confirmed cases.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Calcium, iodine and low-attenuation plaque fidelity in dedicated phantoms, with optimisation of kernels, reconstruction strength and energy levels.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Current focus<\/p>\n Where ten years of validation work is heading now<\/p>\n Phantom and intravascular imaging (IVUS\/OCT) as ground truth for plaque quantification.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n CT-guided PCI, calcified lesions, stents and in-stent restenosis.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Dynamic myocardial CT perfusion and tissue characterisation with photon-counting CT.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Leadership<\/p>\nWhat we have validated<\/h2>\n
Reconstruction algorithms<\/h3>\n
CT strain<\/h3>\n
Plaque analysis software<\/h3>\n
CT-FFR<\/h3>\n
Photon-counting CT vs invasive reference<\/h3>\n
Phantom ground truth<\/h3>\n
Plaque validation on photon-counting CT<\/h3>\n
Intervention planning<\/h3>\n
Perfusion<\/h3>\n
Who leads CardioLab<\/h2>\n