The American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) Foundation has awarded Kevin Evans, PhD, of Ohio State University $25,000 to investigate the viability of using ultrasound instead of CT for calcium scoring.
"This project has important significance, as it is designed to address the need for better screening assessment for adults typically given a statin or medication to control hypertension, but not a more [thorough] diagnostic workup," Evans said.
If successful, Evan and colleagues posit that ultrasound could serve as a more cost-effective, radiation-free alternative to coronary artery calcium scoring on CT.
The ASRT provides grants to radiologic science professionals at various stages of research, including $3,000 to new researchers, $4,000 to emerging researchers, and $25,000 to experienced researchers.
![Axial images from unenhanced calcium score cardiac CT (left) and curved planar reformation images from CT angiography (right) show that higher long-term exposure to air pollution is associated with greater coronary artery calcium and more obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). Top row: Images in a 68-year-old male patient with higher 10-year mean ambient air pollution exposure (7.9 μg/m3 for particulate matter measuring ≤2.5 μm in diameter [PM2.5] and 17.4 parts per billion [ppb] for NO2) with extensive CAD (coronary artery calcium score [CACS] >1,000 and obstructive CAD [≥70% diameter stenosis]). Bottom row: Images in a 57-year-old female patient with lower 10-year mean ambient air pollution exposure (6.3 μg/m3 for PM2.5 and 4.6 ppb for NO2) with no CAD (CACS = 0 and no obstructive stenosis).](https://img.auntminnie.com/mindful/smg/workspaces/default/uploads/2026/06/hanneman.r6SMLzkezo.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&dpr=2&fit=crop&h=167&q=70&w=250)
