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.

Professor Keith Channon, MD, MB ChB, FRCP, interventional cardiologist and the British Heart Foundation Professor Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Oxford, and a co-founder of Caristo, explained an AHA 2023 study where AI identified coronary inflammation as a major silent risk factor and a strong predictor of heart attack risk.

AI model targets inflammation, helping cardiologists find 'invisible' heart patients

By focusing more on inflammation, cardiologists can ensure they are identifying patients who need help before it's too late.

January 15, 2024
Bruce Wilkoff, MD, a veteran cardiologist with Cleveland Clinic

Cardiologist Bruce Wilkoff remembered as a ‘pioneer’ of electrophysiology, ‘beacon of medical excellence’

Friends, colleagues and professional societies have all shared loving tributes to the veteran electrophysiologist, who died at the age of 69. 

January 12, 2024
cardiologist preparing to perform radiofrequency ablation

Colchicine after AFib ablation fails to reduce risk of arrhythmia recurrence

However, the popular anti-inflammatory drug was linked to at least one other clinical benefit cardiologists should know about. 

January 12, 2024
Regularly eating avocados is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, according to a new study.

Fasting before cardiac catheterization may not be necessary—recommend a heart-healthy diet instead

“Patients can safely continue oral intake until the time of the procedure, improving their satisfaction and comfort without adverse events,” researchers wrote.

January 11, 2024
artificial intelligence consultation

Imaging specialists partner with Pfizer to deliver AI-powered cardiac amyloidosis evaluations

Improving care for patients with cardiac amyloidosis has emerged as one of the hottest topics in cardiology. Pfizer helped kickstart that trend in 2019 when it gained FDA approval for two separate medications for the rare, but potentially fatal disease. 

January 10, 2024
TAVR after mitral valve replacement

TAVR after mitral valve replacement linked to positive outcomes, but heart teams must plan ahead

Researchers in India performed TAVR on two relatively young patients with a preexisting mechanical mitral valve, sharing their experience in a new case report. The group highlighted the importance of planning ahead.

January 10, 2024
Anne Kroman, DO, PhD, Medical University of South Carolina, discusses trends in EP device lead management.

Why long-term EP lead management is as important as ever

Anne Kroman, DO, PhD, noted that early, aggressive treatment is critical when EP leads need to be removed. 

January 10, 2024
transesophageal echocardiography (TEE)

New expert guidelines: Start PHV evaluations with echocardiography, but other imaging modalities can provide value

New guidelines from the American Society of Echocardiography, made in collaboration with the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance and Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography, represent an update of the group's original recommendations from 2009.

January 9, 2024

Around the web

Eleven medical societies have signed on to a consensus statement aimed at standardizing imaging for suspected cardiovascular infections.

Kate Hanneman, MD, explains why many vendors and hospitals want to lower radiology's impact on the environment. "Taking steps to reduce the carbon footprint in healthcare isn’t just an opportunity," she said. "It’s also a responsibility."

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