Cardiac Imaging

While cardiac ultrasound is the widely used imaging modality for heart assessments, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and nuclear imaging are also used and are often complimentary, each offering specific details about the heart other modalities cannot. For this reason the clinical question being asked often determines the imaging test that will be used.

Figure from the new ASE guideline for ultrasound guided vascular access, showing vessel and probe orientation on the transverse plane short axis (SAX) view perpendicular to the vessels, or in longitudinal long axis plane (LAX) coaxial to the vessels. Image courtesy of ASE

ASE shares new guidelines for ultrasound-guided vascular access

The American Society of Echocardiography included descriptions, diagrams and ultrasound images in the new document to make it as helpful as possible. 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has shared a new warning about ongoing safety issues with atherectomy devices sold and distributed by Bard Peripheral Vascular, an Arizona-based subsidiary of Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD). The warning includes multiple models of Bard Peripheral Vascular’s Rotarex Atherectomy System, which is designed to target high-risk plaques and blood clots in the peripheral arteries by rotating at a high speed.

FDA warns that atherectomy devices are breaking during use—30 serious injuries, 4 deaths reported

More than 100 incidents have been reported so far. The FDA is still evaluating this issue, but the agency wanted to raise awareness as quickly as possible.

COVID-19 linked to accelerated plaque growth, long-term risk of heart attack or stroke

These risks appear to be present regardless of a person's age or health at the time of infection.

D. Scott Lim, MD, medical director of the Advanced Cardiac Valve Center, and co-director of the Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center at University of Virginia (UVA) Health in Charlottesville, and an associate professor at the University British Columbia, explains how intracardiac echo (ICE) is increasingly being used to help guide structural heart procedures.

Key details on the use of ICE to guide structural heart procedures

Scott Lim, MD, details his experience using intracardiac echo to help guide structural heart procedures with or without traditional TEE. One key benefit of ICE, he explained, is its ability to overcome imaging challenges posed by prior cardiac surgeries.

Medical imaging trends to watch in 2025

The healthcare market analysis firm Signify Research released a list of predictions in radiology its analysts expect to see in 2025. 

MRI technique analyzes composition of fat surrounding heart.

New MRI technique spots signs of heart disease before symptoms emerge

Researchers with the University of Virginia Arlington are working to develop a new way of analyzing fat content around the heart. 

AI cardiology heart artificial intelligence deep learning

New AI model uses ECG images to evaluate heart failure risk

The advanced algorithm only needs an image or photograph of a 12-lead ECG to make its assessment. 

George Dangas, MD, 2023-24 president of SCAI, director of cardiovascular innovation at Mount Sinai Hospital, and director of the TCT meeting, explains key trends he sees in interventional cardiology.

New directions and trends in interventional cardiology

Interventional cardiology continues to evolve, driven by rapid advancements in technology. George Dangas, MD, discussed some of the specialty's biggest ongoing trends with Cardiovascular Business.