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.

High echo usage comes with increased costs, no difference in outcomes

“Although echocardiography plays an important role in the treatment of many patients with AMI, these findings suggest that a more selective approach may be safe and may reduce costs, particularly at high-use hospitals,” wrote authors of a new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine.

Higher CT CAC scores indicate future heart problems

Coronary artery calcium (CAC) levels spotted on CT scans in middle-age patients were connected to an increased risk of structural heart abnormalities indicative of future heart failure, according to a new study published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Imaging.

 

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Cardiac MRI helps diagnose cocaine-related heart damage

Cardiac MRI can detect cocaine’s impact on the cardiovascular system and help differentiate between a wide range of heart diseases, according to a new literature review study published in Radiology: Cardiothoracic Imaging.

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Machine learning may personalize care for patients with severe cardiomyopathy

Researchers created and validated a machine learning model using features taken from baseline, laboratory, electrocardiography (ECG), echocardiography and cardiovascular resonance (CMR) imaging data.

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FFR-derived CT tops CCTA for predicting cardiac disease outcomes

Fractional flow reserve derived from CT (FFR-CT) is a superior predictor of long-term outcomes of heart disease compared to traditional coronary CT angiography (CCTA), according to a new study published in Radiology.

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Researchers examine ultra-marathon runners’ hearts using CMR

Experts have theorized that ultra-marathon runners may face negative cardiovascular changes due to their extreme training methods. A team of Polish-led researchers used cardiovascular MR (CMR) to investigate this, publishing their findings in the European Journal of Radiology.

Is MRI better than angiography for diagnosing, treating certain heart attacks?

It can be hard for physicians to identify the damaged artery responsible for a non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Typically coronary angiography is the first choice, but is it the best?

Researchers develop new cardiac imaging tool to diagnose heart disease

The new method—cardiac functional MRI (cfMRI)—measures how the heart utilizes oxygen for both healthy patients and those with a form of heart disease.