Advanced Cardiac Imaging

Cardiac imaging is a non-invasive imaging technique used for the diagnosis of a heart condition. The use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) and nuclear medicine imaging allows the visualization of the heart. Transthoracic echocardiography is the most common imaging tool that allows the non-invasive evaluation of heart function and the blood flow through the heart. It applies ultrasonic waves to examine the heart chambers and blood movement. Using multidetector CT, cardiac images can be obtained in a matter of few seconds, which are reconstructed using algorithms. Such CT techniques have facilitated the diagnosis of cardiac artery disease in a non-invasive way. MRI allows soft tissues to be differentiated and permits the quantitative assessment of morphology, size, function and tissue characteristics. Constant research in these techniques will help to ensure better cardiac imaging for the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases. This book discusses the fundamentals as well as modern approaches of cardiac imaging. The topics included herein are of utmost significance and bound to provide incredible insights to readers. A number of latest researches have been included to keep the readers up-to-date with the global concepts in this area of study.