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.

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Chest strap ECG effectively detects AFib

Electrocardiograms (ECG) acquired using a chest strap could be a quality alternative to traditional ECGs when used to diagnose atrial fibrillation (AF), researchers reported in the American Journal of Cardiology.

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Cardiac MRI-derived T2 mapping may help heart failure patients

Researchers used T2 mapping taken from weekly cardiac MRIs to help identify cardiotoxicity at an early stage, according to results of a pig study published Feb. 18 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. The findings could help cancer patients at risk of chemo-induced heart failure.

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T2 mapping may uncover cardiotoxic marker early enough to prevent heart failure

T2 mapping derived from weekly cardiac MRIs helped researchers identify cardiotoxicity at an early and reversible stage, a finding which may have implications for cancer patients at risk of chemotherapy-induced heart failure.

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What’s the best MR angiography strategy to screen for aneurysm in patients with hereditary kidney disease?

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is among the most common hereditary diseases and is associated with complications such as intracranial aneurysm. A lack of screening guidelines prompted a group of researchers to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of various MR angiography strategies.

Edwards’ Pascal TMVR system gains CE mark

The Pascal transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR) system has received its CE mark for the treatment of patients with mitral regurgitation, device manufacturer Edwards Lifesciences announced Feb. 19.

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Inpatient-specific AUC reduces clutter in echocardiography department

By modifying the appropriate use criteria (AUC) for transthoracic echocardiograms (TTEs) and educating physicians on which tests should be performed in an inpatient versus outpatient setting, researchers at Bridgeport Hospital in Connecticut reduced their inpatient echo order volume by 11.1 percent and boosted the efficiency of their department.

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Cardiac MRI, stress test improves mortality prediction

Stress cardiac MRI (CMR) greatly improved the accuracy of mortality prediction in patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease (CAD), reported authors of a large, multi-center study published in JAMA Cardiology.

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New noninvasive imaging modality can better assess CVD risk

A new cardiovascular imaging technique can reveal important information about the plaque characteristics of a patient’s carotid artery in real time, reported authors of a recent study published in Radiology. One researcher believes the method has the potential to become as popular as ultrasound.