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.

Researchers with University College London and the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) have used a new X-ray technique, hierarchical phase-contrast tomography (HiP-CT), to capture images of the human heart in unprecedented detail. The group shared its images, as well as a full analysis, in Radiology.[1]

New imaging technique captures human heart with 'unprecedented detail'

The new images were captured at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility using hierarchical phase-contrast tomography. One specialist called them "Google Earth for the human heart." 

SCCT aims to provide common language for CCTA use with updated guidance

The Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography has developed a new expert consensus document designed to get physicians on the same page when discussing this growing technology. 

Emily Lau, MD, Mass General Hospital, discusses sex differences in cardiovascular presentations of women.

CVD presents differently in women than it does in men—guidelines should reflect that

Emily Lau, MD, a women's health expert with Massachusetts General Hospital, thinks major changes are needed in how we diagnose CVD in women. "Our guidelines need to be more precise and offer sex-specific recommendations," she says.

Video interview with Jim Melton, DO, vascular surgeon, explains the CLI mortality rate among amputees in rural Oklahoma, and the need for outreach programs to screen more patients.

Death rate from critical limb ischemia is high in rural Oklahoma

In rural Oklahoma, double amputees due to untreated peripheral artery disease face mortality rates around 35% after one year and 60% after two. Jim Melton, DO, hopes his mobile cardiology clinics can make a difference for these patients.

Healthcare salaries and compensation

Compensation keeps climbing in cardiology, electrophysiology, heart surgery

Among general cardiologists, compensation increased nearly 8% from 2023 to 2024. Interventional cardiology and electrophysiology saw even larger jumps.

Researchers have developed and validated a new artificial intelligence (AI) model capable of producing four-chamber cardiac MR (CMR) images in seconds, publishing their findings in European Radiology Experimental.

AI creates accurate 4D heart scans in seconds

New data out of England provides cardiologists and radiologists with another reminder of AI's potential to transform healthcare. 

Adona Medical adjustable interatrial shunt

Heart failure startup raises $33.5M for adjustable interatrial shunt

Adona Medical’s adjustable interatrial shunt can be made larger or smaller in size after implantation through the use of a custom-designed induction catheter.

Jim Melton, DO, vascular surgeon and co-founder of the CardioVascular Health Clinic in Oklahoma City, explains the use of mobile outreach cardiology clinics to help rural and Native American populations.

Mobile cardiology clinic reaches rural, Native American populations in Oklahoma

Jim Melton, DO, a vascular surgeon in Oklahoma City, explains his efforts to reach patients in rural Oklahoma and Native American tribes with a mobile cardiovascular clinic program.

Around the web

Ron Blankstein, MD, professor of radiology, Harvard Medical School, explains the use of artificial intelligence to detect heart disease in non-cardiac CT exams.

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

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