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Strain Evaluation in TAVR —Current Evidence, Knowledge Gaps, and Future Directions
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTranscatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has been a paradigm shift for the treatment of patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS). Subclinical cardiac changes in myocardial deformation, not reflected by left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), are often present and can be measured by strain imaging. This manuscript will review the current literature and discuss the importance of strain evaluation in TAVR patients.Recent FindingsStrain measurement, especially global longitudinal strain (GLS), has been shown to be associated with outcomes in patients with AS. In addition, GLS assessment prior ...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports - July 20, 2018 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Coronary CTA for Preoperative Risk Assessment in Noncardiac Surgery
AbstractPurpose of the ReviewRisk assessment for ischemic cardiac complications post noncardiac surgery is not an exact science. This often prompts physicians to order investigations for further risk stratification. As a diagnostic text coronary CT angiography (CCTA)* could prove to be a useful adjunct in preoperative risk assessment and its utility in this setting will be considered.Recent FindingsCCTA has been used to assess preoperative risk in several clinical studies, including the recent CTA VISION trial. CTA VISION suggested, in the cohort examined, that CCTA could lead to an exaggeration of preoperative risk. Wheth...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports - July 19, 2018 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Cardiac CT: Technological Advances in Hardware, Software, and Machine Learning Applications
AbstractPurpose of ReviewMultidetector row computed tomography (CT) allows noninvasive imaging of the heart and coronary arteries. The purpose of this review is to briefly summarize recent advances in CT hardware and software technology, and machine learning applications for cardiovascular imaging.Recent FindingsIn the last decades, there have been significant improvements in CT hardware focusing on faster gantry rotation resulting in improved temporal resolution. Concurrent hardware improvements include improved spatial resolution and higher coverage of the patient, enabling faster acquisition. Advances in cardiac CT soft...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports - June 29, 2018 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Radionuclide Imaging in Decision-Making for Coronary Revascularization in Stable Ischemic Heart Disease
AbstractPurpose of the ReviewThis review will discuss the current nuclear imaging techniques for defining ischemia and hibernation/viability, their advantages and disadvantages, and the data related to their use to direct revascularization decisions.Recent FindingsRecent interventional trials highlight the importance of functional imaging in trying to determine who may benefit from revascularization. Outcome benefit from revascularization has previously been shown in patients with significant ischemia, and flow quantification from positron emission tomography (PET) may allow for further risk stratification; similar data ma...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports - June 29, 2018 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Three-Dimensional Echocardiography for Evaluation of the Right Ventricle —Updates on Image Acquisition and Analysis
AbstractPurpose of ReviewReview three-dimensional echocardiographic (3DE) acquisition and analysis of the right ventricular (RV) chamber, the recommended technique by the American Society of Echocardiography guidelines.Recent Findings3DE acquisition and analysis of RV size and function is available in the majority of clinical echocardiographic laboratories. Recent publications showed this approach provides accurate information despite the challenging chamber anatomy and physiology, when compared to magnetic resonance imaging as reference. 3DE assessment directly measures RV volumes without geometric assumptions. Accordingl...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports - June 29, 2018 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Molecular Imaging of Cardiac Amyloidosis
AbstractPurpose of ReviewCardiac amyloidosis is an infiltrative cardiomyopathy, most commonly due to light chain amyloidosis [AL] or transthyretin amyloidosis [ATTR]; both cause significant heart failure and mortality. This review is a comprehensive overview of radionuclide molecular imaging in cardiac amyloidosis, highlighting the latest advancements in aiding diagnosis and prognosis.Recent FindingsSpecific bone scintigraphy agents have a high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis. Amyloid-binding radiotracers, originally developed for imaging Alzheimer ’s disease, are being ...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports - June 9, 2018 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Myocardial Assessment with Cardiac CT: Ischemic Heart Disease and Beyond
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe aim of this review is to highlight recent advancements, current trends, and the expanding role for cardiac CT (CCT) in the evaluation of ischemic heart disease, nonischemic cardiomyopathies, and some specific congenital myocardial disease states.Recent FindingsCCT is a highly versatile imaging modality for the assessment of numerous cardiovascular disease states. Coronary CT angiography (CCTA) is now a well-established first-line imaging modality for the exclusion of significant coronary artery disease (CAD); however, CCTA has modest positive predictive value and specificity for diagnosing obst...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports - June 2, 2018 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

State of the Art in Cardiovascular T2 Mapping: on the Way to a Cardiac Biomarker?
AbstractPurpose of ReviewParametric mapping fosters the role of cardiovascular magnetic resonance in its unique capability to evaluate myocardial tissue without the use of contrast agents. While there is a large body of literature highlighting the role of T1 mapping, the role of T2 mapping is less clear. This review aims to address the latest evidences for added clinical value of T2 mapping.Recent FindingsT2 mapping shows superior diagnostic accuracy in myocarditis, transplant rejection, and cardiac involvement in lupus erythematosus. Moreover, T2 values predict major adverse cardiovascular events in myocarditis and enable...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports - May 23, 2018 Category: Radiology Source Type: research