CT Imaging of Left Ventricular Assist Devices and Associated Complications
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe purpose of this paper is to review the current role of computed tomography (CT) in the imaging of left ventricular assist devices (LVAD).Recent FindingsRecent studies have highlighted the prognostic role of measuring skeletal muscle CT attenuation in predicting adverse LVAD outcomes. CT is also useful for evaluation of inflow cannula malposition, and outflow graft complications such as obstruction and kinking. In addition,18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography (FDG PET-CT) has been shown to be of value in evaluation of suspected LVAD infection. Newer CT techniqu...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports - June 30, 2020 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Correction to: Role of Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography in Percutaneous Coronary Intervention of Chronic Total Occlusions
The original version of this image was of lower quality. The corrected image provides a better definition of the structures. (Source: Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports)
Source: Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports - June 26, 2020 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Better Is the Evolution of Good: How IVUS and OCT Have Transformed PCI
AbstractPurpose of ReviewWe seek to provide a focused appraisal of the most recent outcomes data for intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT).Recent FindingsThere are multiple randomized control trials and meta-analyses investigating the effects of these two intravascular imaging (IVI) modalities on clinical decision-making and long-term clinical outcomes in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). While the effects of IVUS have been studied for decades, OCT is a newer form of IVI with less experience and data on its use in clinical practice.SummaryIVUS-guided PCI has beneficial effects on mo...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports - June 21, 2020 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Contrast Fractional Flow Reserve (cFFR) and Computed Tomography Fractional Flow Reserve (CT-FFR) Guidance for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI)
AbstractPurpose of ReviewIn this review, we summarize both contrast fractional flow reserve (cFFR) and computed tomography fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR) as novel modalities to evaluate the hemodynamic significance of coronary artery stenoses and to guide percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).Recent FindingsImplementation of cFFR can reduce the time, cost, effort, and patient discomfort associated with traditional adenosine FFR. Clinical outcomes following cFFR-guided revascularization are currently under investigation. Emerging data on the use of CT-FFR in patients with acute coronary syndromes may increase the use o...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports - June 7, 2020 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Single Tracer Combined Imaging: the Role of PET/MRI from Research Domain to Clinical Arena
AbstractPurpose of ReviewGoal of this review article was to summarize and evaluate the current developments in nuclear medicine cardiovascular imaging with focus on PET/MR imaging. Furthermore, it should highlight recent topics of interest, such as sarcoidosis, inflammation, and cardiac amyloidosis for instance, which have not properly characterized with PET/MRI yet.Recent FindingsIn the last years there have been advances in experimental tracers and clinical research especially for inflammatory cardiac diseases. Most articles still focus PET/CT rather than PET/MRI, which is mostly due to a limited number of PET/MRI center...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports - May 29, 2020 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

The Role of Imaging for MINOCA (Myocardial Infarction with No Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease): a Review of Literature and Current Perspectives
The objective of this review is to summarize scientific statements on the diagnosis and management of myocardial infarction with no obstructive coronary artery disease (MINOCA); define the diagnostic role of optical coherence tomography (OCT), intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR); and provide representative case examples.Recent FindingsThe majority of patients with MINOCA are evaluated by conventional coronary angiography. However, intracoronary imaging using OCT or IVUS permits more accurate understanding of the underlying pathology. These and other imaging modalities provide signi...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports - May 20, 2020 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Role of Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography in Percutaneous Coronary Intervention of Chronic Total Occlusions
AbstractPurpose of ReviewDespite significant advances in procedural techniques for revascularization of chronic total occlusions (CTO), comprehensive procedural planning and accurate prediction of procedural success remain the Achilles ’ heels of CTO percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Understanding the unique anatomic characteristics of CTOs that may predict relative success and complication rates of revascularization is imperative. Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) has evolved as an adjunct to invasive angi ography to better characterize CTO lesions to improve success rates of CTO PCI.Recent Finding...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports - May 12, 2020 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Intravascular Imaging for Venous Interventions
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review surveys the clinical landscape of intravascular imaging for endovenous interventions.Recent FindingsEndovascular imaging has become increasingly important for diagnosing venous pathology and guiding venous interventions. In particular, intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) provides 3D high-resolution cross-sectional imaging of vessel and surrounding tissues, often in anatomic locations inaccessible to surface ultrasound, namely the superior vena cava, inferior vena cava, and caval-iliac veins.SummaryCurrent well-established indications for venous IVUS include diagnostic studies, venoplasty, t...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports - May 8, 2020 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

A Brief History of Intracoronary Imaging
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe purpose of this paper is to review the history of intracoronary imaging as it pertains to the development of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) devices.Recent FindingsCoronary angiography continues to maintain its stronghold as the diagnostic modality of choice in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease. Limitations in scope, however, have necessitated the development of adjunctive forms of imaging through IVUS and OCT in order to augment the comprehensive assessment and therapeutic management of angiographic findings.SummaryIVUS and OCT have significantly e...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports - May 7, 2020 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

An Update on Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo provide an update on the use of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.Recent FindingsLong-term prognosis of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy may not be as clear-cut as previously thought. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging not only allows differentiation between reversible and nonreversible changes but has an emerging role in identifying cellular level changes associated with prognostic indicators such as myocardial energetics using31P-CMR spectroscopy and detection of myocardial inflammation overlying myocardial oedema, using ultrasmall paramagnetic iron oxide ...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports - April 28, 2020 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

The Evolution of Ischemia Detection with Echocardiography
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review is aimed at understanding the clinical connect betweenischemia and tissue changes by firstly, describing the historical and clinicopathophysiologicalperspective of deformation imaging and secondly clinical advances of tissue imaging; nextthe body of evidence currently available for this methodology; and finally, the feasibility andbarriers to clinical translation. There will also be a brief review of the feasibility and currentuse of contrast for perfusion with flash imaging Myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) for the detection of ischemia.Recent FindingsMyocardial ischemia detec...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports - April 27, 2020 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Aortic Stiffness and Heart Failure in Chronic Kidney Disease
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo provide an update on the recent findings in the field of aortic stiffness and heart failure in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).Recent FindingsStratification of cardiovascular risk in CKD remains an open question. Recent reports suggest that aortic stiffness, an independent predictor of cardiovascular events in many patient populations, is also an important prognostic factor in CKD. Also, novel measures of myocardial tissue characterization, native T1 and T2 mapping techniques, have potential as diagnostic and prognostic factors in CKD.SummaryCardiovascular magnetic resonance has the a...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports - April 21, 2020 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance in Chagas Disease —an Update
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe purpose of this paper is to review the current role of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in Chagas disease.Recent FindingsCMR is crucial to detect the cardiac involvement in patients with Chagas disease given its ability to assess ventricular function and allow non-invasive tissue characterization.SummaryChagas disease is an emerging health problem in non-endemic areas because of growing population movements. Among other imaging modalities, CMR aids in the early detection of cardiac involvement in Chagas disease, allows stage patients in the course of the cardiomyopathy, stratify patients ’ pr...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports - March 2, 2020 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

CMR in Hypertrophic Cardiac Conditions —an Update
AbstractPurpose of ReviewMyocardial left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy (LVH) is a common phenotype associated to increased morbidity and mortality. Beyond an accurate LV mass quantification, cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) can also provide tissue characterization, perfusion, and deformation assessments. Aim of the present review is to discuss recent advances in CMR imaging of LVH.Recent FindingsT1 and T2 mapping techniques expanded the ability of CMR in phenotyping LVH, underscoring the pathogenic significance of interstitial fibrosis and edema in hypertrophic conditions. Perfusion and deformation assessments reveal...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports - March 2, 2020 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

CMR in Pericardial Diseases - an Update
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo review the latest developments and the current role of the cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in pericardial diseases and their complications.Recent FindingsCardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR) has the ability to incorporate anatomy, physiology, and “virtual histology” strategies to achieve the most accurate diagnosis for even the most demanding, pericardial diseases.SummaryAcute, chronic, recurrent, and constrictive pericarditis as well as pericarditis related complications, pericardial masses and congenital pericardial defects are commonly encountered in clinical practice with relatively signifi...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports - March 2, 2020 Category: Radiology Source Type: research