Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports 
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This is an RSS file. You can use it to subscribe to this data in your favourite RSS reader or to display this data on your own website or blog.Contemporary Advances in Myocardial Metabolic Imaging and Their Impact on Clinical Care: a Focus on Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe purpose of this review is to give a brief historical context and overview of cardiac substrate metabolism, including recent discoveries, and then delve into newer advances in positron emission tomography (PET) myocardial metabolic imaging.Recent FindingsSome of the recent discoveries of cardiac metabolism involve the pleiotropic effects of metabolism of minor substrates, such as ketones and branch chain amino acids. Contemporary advancements in cardiac imaging include the following: novel radiotracers, new technologies, and evidence showing how patient-specific attributes, such as sex and age, ...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports - February 17, 2018 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
Appropriateness and Budget Limitations: Effects on the Use of Cardiac Imaging Techniques
AbstractPurpose of the ReviewIn recent years, increasing economical limitations resulted in a general reduction in health care spending possibilities and, finally, in budget limitations. The potential impact of these economical restrictions on cardiac imaging is discussed.Recent FindingsImaging techniques are responsible of a consistent amount of the health care spending, in particular cardiovascular imaging techniques and, among them, radionuclide imaging modalities. To contain costs, the focus of payers, scientific societies, and political organizations is mainly set to reduce the number of exam, mainly by acting on inap...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports - February 6, 2018 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
Serial Cardiac Nuclear Imaging: Opportunities and Challenges
AbstractPurpose of ReviewCardiac nuclear imaging is widely used to guide clinical management. While a large body of evidence supports the use of a single set of images, a significant proportion of patients undergo serial studies. The purpose of this review is to highlight recent clinical developments in the serial use of cardiac nuclear imaging and discuss the challenges of interpreting and applying the results.Recent FindingsSerial myocardial perfusion imaging studies have demonstrated the impact of coronary revascularization on myocardial blood flow and established the prognostic value of changes in myocardial perfusion ...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports - February 5, 2018 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
Characterizing Cardiac Involvement in Chronic Kidney Disease Using CMR —a Systematic Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe aim of the review was to identify and describe recent advances (over the last 3 years) in cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We conducted a literature review in line with current guidelines.Recent FindingsThe authors identified 22 studies. Patients with CKD had left ventricular global and regional dysfunction and adverse remodeling. Stress testing with CMR revealed a reduced stress-response in CKD patients. Native T1 relaxation times (as a surrogate markers of fibrosis) are elevated in CKD patients, proportional to disease duration. Patient...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports - January 31, 2018 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
New Trends in Quantitative Nuclear Cardiology Methods
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe use of quantitative analysis in single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET) has become an integral part of current clinical practice and plays a crucial role in the detection and risk stratification of coronary artery disease. Emerging technologies, new protocols, and new quantification methods have had a significant impact on the diagnostic performance and prognostic value of nuclear cardiology imaging while reducing the need for clinician oversight. In this review, we aim to describe recent advances in automation and quantitative analysis in nucle...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports - January 19, 2018 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
3D and 4D Ultrasound: Current Progress and Future Perspectives
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThree-dimensional (3D) echocardiography (3DE) and 4-dimensional echocardiography (4DE), also known as real-time (RT) 3DE (RT3DE), are rapidly emerging technologies which have made significant impact in the clinical arena over the years. This review will discuss the recent applications of 3DE in diagnosing and treating different types of cardiovascular disease.Recent FindingsRecent studies using 3DE expanded on prior findings and introduced additional applications to different cardiac conditions. Some studies have used 3D parameters to prognosticate long-term outcomes. Numerous innovative software d...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports - November 10, 2017 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
Role of Echocardiography in Diagnosis of Constrictive Pericarditis: a Practical Summary
AbstractPurpose of ReviewConstrictive pericarditis (CP) is an uncommon diagnosis in the modern day. Clinically, CP and restrictive cardiomyopathy can present in a similar fashion; however, differentiating the two entities is imperative since CP is potentially curable by pericardiectomy. In this manuscript, we aim to summarize echocardiographic characteristics of CP with a focus on parameters discriminating CP from restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM).Recent FindingsClassically, respiration-related interventricular septal shift and variations in mitral inflow and mitral annular velocities have been used to distinguish CP from R...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports - November 2, 2017 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
Fusion Imaging for Structural Heart Disease Interventions
AbstractPurpose of ReviewAccurate procedural guidance is necessary for structural heart disease (SHD) interventions to reduce procedural times and improve results. Fluoroscopy remains the foundation imaging modality for guidance of transcatheter therapy. However, fluoroscopy has limitations in that it only provides 2D projections of complex 3D anatomy. Fusion technology has the capability to project cardiac imaging, including echocardiography and computed tomography (CT), onto fluoroscopy for a more complete representation of the anatomy to help guide SHD interventions. This in turn allows for a more effective workflow tha...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports - October 24, 2017 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Closure Devices
AbstractPurpose of ReviewAtrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in humans. It is a major cause of morbidity and mortality as it impairs cardiac function and is a major risk of embolic stroke. Traditionally, thromboembolic risk of AF has been treated with system anticoagulation with intravenous, intramuscular, or oral anticoagulants. Although the novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) have revolutionized stroke risk reduction in AF patients, they are associated with a significant risk of bleeding and may be contraindicated in certain patients. Embolic events in AF typically originate from thrombi that form within...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports - October 18, 2017 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
Echocardiography in the Intensive Care Unit
We describe training and certification for critical care echocardiography and the use of echocardiography for the assessment of hemodynamics, fluid responsiveness, diagnosis of shock, procedural guidance, and cardiac arrest.Recent FindingsRecent advances have been made in multiple aspects of critical care echocardiography, including training and certification, assessment of fluid responsiveness in spontaneously breathing patients, and evaluation of undifferentiated shock.SummaryEchocardiography is increasingly used in the intensive care setting. Its applications and evidence base continue to expand. Randomized controlled t...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports - October 18, 2017 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
The Role of Radionuclide Imaging in Congenital Heart Disease
AbstractPurpose of ReviewCongenital heart disease is a growing healthcare issue since the majority of children who underwent surgical repair are now surviving into adult life. However, these patients are generally fixed but not cured and many will go on to develop significant morbidity as adults. The purpose of this review is to discuss the utility of radionuclide imaging in the management of these patients with a focus on the longer-term follow-up into adult life.Recent FindingsRadionuclide imaging is a relatively niche tool in the management of congenital heart disease patients and many of the techniques have been around...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports - October 17, 2017 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
Molecular Imaging of Stem Cells and Exosomes for Myocardial Regeneration
AbstractPurpose of ReviewStem cell therapy is studied for the treatment of ischemic heart disease. Despite high expectations, investigation has yielded mixed results. For further advancement of this field, it is essential to understand the fate of the transplanted stem cells in living subjects. A myriad of tools has been developed to allow for the immediate and longitudinal monitoring of stem cells in vivo. In this review, we outline the most reliable techniques and their implications for cardiac regenerative medicine.Recent FindingsDirect (e.g., PET/SPECT, MRI) and indirect labeling (e.g., reporter gene) techniques have e...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports - September 23, 2017 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
Cardiovascular PET/MRI: Technical Considerations and Outlook
AbstractPurpose of ReviewWe aim to provide insights into current and future applications of cardiac PET/MRI and the logistical issues one should consider when implementing a program using this still novel technology.Recent FindingsSince their introduction around 15 years ago, PET/CT and SPECT/CT hybrid imaging devices saw high clinical utilization, which was driven clearly by oncology. Fortunately, the basic availability in a clinical setting enabled the investigation of the cardiac imaging perspective and facilitated numerous research activities. Given the fact that cardiac MRI is a very attractive research field with a...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports - September 22, 2017 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
Anomalous Coronary Arteries on Computer Tomography Angiography: a Pictorial Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewCoronary artery anomalies (CAA) are a commonly encountered entity on computer tomography angiography (CTA) with observational studies suggesting a prevalence of 1 –3%. The purpose of this pictorial review is to succinctly review the recent literature in regards to their individual prevalence, assessment and management strategies when indicated.Recent FindingsClinically, the most important anomalies are those with either a malignant course or origin. Recent studies have suggested that anomalous coronary arteries arising from the opposite sinus (ACAOS) are best detected on CTA. In particular, those...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports - September 6, 2017 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
Quantification of Myocardial Blood Flow with CZT SPECT Imaging: Is It Ready for Clinical Use?
AbstractPurpose of ReviewMyocardial blood flow (MBF) quantification with positron emission tomography (PET) is well validated and has established diagnostic and prognostic value for patient management. New cardiac dedicated solid-state single-photon emission tomography (SPECT) cameras using cadmium-zinc-telluride (CZT) crystals have better temporal and spatial resolution and increased count sensitivity than conventional SPECT systems and can measure MBF. We review recent validation studies using CZT technology for measurement of MBF and assess its readiness for clinical application.Recent FindingsOne preclinical study show...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports - August 19, 2017 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
