The last two and a half decades have seen phenomenal advances made in the field of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), and these advances have supported research into interventional applications using CMR. Conventional x-ray fluoroscopically guided cardiac catheterization and interventions are…
An ideal imaging guidance system for cardiovascular, catheter-based interventional procedures would offer real-time, high-resolution, three-dimensional (3D) imaging of important anatomic tissues and chambers, irrespective of respiratory, cardiac, or patient motion alongside excellent visualization of catheters, guidewires, and other interventional devices.…
The pericardium is an important structure in the evaluation of patients with cardiovascular disease. Understanding pericardial anatomy and the complex hemodynamics associated with pericardial pathology is critical in assessing the pericardium and its impact on cardiovascular function. Unfortunately, clinical evaluation…
Pathologies involving the pulmonary arterial system include pulmonary embolus (PE), pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), congenital anomalies, and pulmonary artery tumors. These diseases present a unique clinical diagnostic challenge often requiring multiple diagnostic examinations spanning the entire radiologic armamentarium. Initially, cardiovascular…
Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is an important imaging modality for the diagnosis, clinical workup, and treatment planning in patients suspected of a wide range of vascular pathology. The aim of MRA is to visualize the arterial and/or venous system by…
The anatomic and functional characteristics of the aorta, which may at first glance appear relatively straightforward, are now recognized to be complex. Recent insights from both modern imaging technology and better understanding of the hydraulic principles associated with the variety…
The development of radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of atrial fibrillation has led to an increased interest in the accurate determination of pulmonary vein anatomy and left atrial fibrosis assessment to help plan the procedure and to monitor for postablation…
The number of adults with congenital heart disease living in the United States is estimated to be at least 1.4 million, and at least 300,000 of these people have complex forms of congenital heart disease. The majority of these patients…
The role of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in the evaluation of infants and children with congenital heart disease is now widely accepted as a result of ongoing technologic advances and the growing realization of its clinical value. Improvements in CMR…
Accurate noninvasive assessment of right ventricular (RV) mass and systolic function is important in several pathologies, such as grown-up congenital heart disease, pulmonary hypertension, interstitial lung disease, valvular heart disease, and arrhythmogenic RV cardiomyopathy. Right ventricular function is also a…