Cardiac imaging specialists use advanced, non-invasive imaging techniques to diagnose and evaluate the treatment of a wide variety of conditions of the heart and surrounding blood vessels. Through the use of the most advanced, cutting edge equipment, our cardiac imaging specialists ensure the best diagnostic quality while minimizing the patient’s exposure to radiation.
Cardiac imaging uses a variety of imaging equipment including X-Ray, CT, MRI and Echocardiograms. Most cardiac imaging exams use contrast, which is often a simple injection through an arm vein. Contrast helps the radiologist to obtain a better view of the heart and blood vessels.
The most common procedure performed by our group is a Coronary CT Angiography, also known as a Coronary CTA, or CCTA. This non-invasive exam provides detailed pictures of the heart and its surrounding blood vessels, which doctors use to diagnose conditions including coronary atherosclerotic disease. The exam can also be performed on advanced MRI machines that are capable of providing the highest level of detail and specificity in the images.
Exams read by our Cardiac Imaging Specialists
- Echocardiography – uses ultrasound waves to produce an image of the heart and great vessels.
- Chest X-Ray – helps doctors view arterial and ventricular size and shape.
- Spiral (or helical) CT – can help evaluate pericarditis, congenital disorders, disorders of the great vessels, tumors or acute pulmonary embolism.
- Cardiac MRI – without using any X-Rays or radiation, this exam can help doctors to see the structure and function of the heart muscle.