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Utility of Cardiac Compute Tomography in Patients with Left Ventricular Assist Devices
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe number of left ventricular assist device implants has increased significantly in the last decade. Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) optimization, trouble-shooting complications, and surgical planning require a multi-modality imaging approach. Echocardiography remains the imaging modality of choice, particularly for physiological evaluation but accurate anatomical evaluation of the entirety of the LVAD is often challenging if not impossible. Cardiac computed tomography (CCT) offers additional information that is valuable in taking care of these complex patients. The purpose of this review is...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports - October 5, 2018 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

A Review of Echocardiography Training for Internal Medicine Residents: Proposed Goals, Methods, and Metrics
AbstractPurpose of the reviewFocused cardiac ultrasound (FCU) is a useful bedside tool that is often utilized by internal medicine residents. Multiple studies have shown that FCU adds valuable information beyond the history and physical. No formal recommendations exist regarding which physiologic parameters should be included in FCU, how those parameters should be assessed, or how to adequately train residents in its use. This review highlights the available literature on FCU training for medicine residents and provides in-depth analysis of the existing programs.Recent findingsThere is significant variability among FCU tra...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports - October 2, 2018 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Comprehensive Assessment of Aortic Stenosis in the TAVR Era
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTranscatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has been approved for the treatment of severe aortic stenosis in patients who are prohibitive surgical risk, high surgical risk, and now intermediate surgical risk. This review aims to raise awareness of the role echocardiography in evaluating patients with aortic stenosis for TAVR, in assisting during the procedure for device placement and to identify procedural complications and in assessing follow-up valvular and cardiac function to guide ongoing therapy.Recent FindingsA comprehensive echocardiogram is an essential part of the evaluation of patients ...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports - September 27, 2018 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

The Comprehensive Assessment of Left Ventricular Assist Devices by Echocardiography
AbstractPurpose of ReviewEchocardiography is the imaging modality of choice for patient selection prior to left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation, assessment of device placement, optimization of device settings, diagnosis of device-related complications, and assessment of LV recovery. The key echocardiographic features of these devices will be highlighted in the following review.Recent FindingsWith increased utilization of LVADs as well as the development of centrifugal continuous-flow pumps, familiarity with echocardiographic imaging of LVADs is essential to optimal care of these complex patients.SummaryAll ec...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports - September 24, 2018 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Coronary CTA for Surveillance of Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe purpose of this review is to highlight recent hardware and software advances in coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) that make it a potentially viable alternative to invasive coronary angiography for surveillance of cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) in heart transplant recipients.Recent FindingsDual-source CT, multisegment reconstruction, and intracycle motion correction algorithms are all technologies applied during or after image acquisition that can improve image quality and diagnostic accuracy in patients with elevated heart rates, such as heart transplant recipients. CT fracti...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports - September 24, 2018 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

3D-TEE for Measurement of the Aortic Annulus: a Review of the Literature and Step-By-Step Approach to an Essential Skill
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe purpose of this paper is to review the measurement of the virtual aortic annulus using 3-dimensional (3D) transesophageal echocardiography (TEE).Recent FindingsNew software developments have allowed increased utility of 3D-TEE for aortic annulus analysis.Summary3D-TEE remains an alternative to multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) for measurement of the aortic annulus prior to transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), but has been hampered by lack of semi-automated or automated technology. Automated software programs for 3D-TEE analysis of the aortic annulus are increasingly being d...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports - August 27, 2018 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Cardiac CT: Global Use and Comparison of International Guidelines
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThere has been an exponential growth in cardiovascular imaging resulting in the requirement for guidance and appropriateness criteria. The first appropriateness criteria for cardiac CT were published in 2006 and since numerous national and international societies have published guidance specific to their country, population and health economy. These guidelines have been through multiple iterations in response to large trials in cardiac CT. This paper aims to review and compare these guidelines specifically with respect to the performing and reporting of cardiovascular CT and on the use of cardiac C...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports - August 16, 2018 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Integrated Cardiac and Lung Ultrasound (ICLUS) in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review highlights the use of basic lung ultrasound and introduces the concept of integrated cardiac and lung ultrasound (ICLUS) in the care of patients in the cardiac intensive care unit (ICU).Recent FindingsCardiac ultrasound is a fundamental imaging modality that is the gold standard for the diagnosis of cardiac pathology at the bedside. However, the demographics of the modern cardiac ICU are evolving to encompass patients with complex multi-organ system dysfunction in addition to acute cardiovascular disease. Therefore, a more comprehensive diagnostic approach is needed to allow the cardiol...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports - July 30, 2018 Category: Radiology Source Type: research