As the field of cardiac imaging rapidly evolves, physicians are left with the challenge of determining which is the “the right test for the right patient at the right time.” In this spirit, we are proud to introduce our Cardiac Imaging Center. As a matter of philosophy, we believe that a cardiac imager must be comprehensively familiar with the strengths and limitations of all imaging modalities. The physicians in our group are well versed with multiple imaging modalities and have published landmark articles in the imaging field. We will be a valuable resource to physicians who are navigating the difficult decisions about choosing the right cardiac imaging test for their patients.
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR) is rapidly becoming an important tool in the clinical management of cardiac patients. Its ability to accurately characterize myocardial tissue has made it invaluable for evaluating patients with infiltrative and inflammatory heart diseases such as cardiac sarcoidosis, amyloidosis, hemochromatosis, and myocarditis. CMR is the most accurate technique for diagnosing hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. CMR is also useful in the management of patients with ischemic heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy, and heart failure.
A particular strength of CMR is its ability to quantify the extent of myocardial scar and to predict viability prior to revascularization. Myocardial scar imaging (late gadolinium enhancement) is a novel method for determining prognosis in patients with ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathy. Additionally, because CMR is not limited by attenuation artifact and has a very high spatial resolution, it is a valuable alternative technique for stress testing.
A major strength of CMR is its ability to comprehensively evaluate the right ventricle. CMR can be helpful in diagnosing arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia.
Cardiac Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) has advanced at a tremendous rate. The Cardiac Imaging Center is dedicated to keeping pace with this rapidly improving technology. We are currently the only group in the Chicago area that has the latest 256 slice CT scanner. Using this newest technology significantly reduces the radiation dose to the patient without compromising image quality. A typical cardiac CTA performed using this scanner has a lower radiation dose than that of a standard chest CT or a typical nuclear stress test. We have also been able to reduce the amount of contrast required to perform these studies.
Cardiac CTA is an excellent test for ruling out coronary artery disease. Some appropriate indications include:
The University of Chicago has a long tradition of excellence in echocardiography and nuclear cardiology. Both laboratories are internationally renowned for innovation in the realm of quantitation of ventricular function and perfusion. We offer state of the art equipment such as 3-D transesophageal echocardiography and the latest gamma cameras which allow lower radiation exposure to patients undergoing nuclear stress testing without compromising diagnostic accuracy.
The latest advances with 3-D echocardiography have dramatically improved our ability to assess ventricular function and valvular heart disease. Similarly, trials of the newest nuclear cardiology imaging protocols, including myocardial innervation and fatty acid metabolism are being performed here.