Cardiac Imaging

Question 1

Problems

Answer 1

the heart moves which can lead to blurred images
the heart is hidden behind ribcage which can make it difficult to see
Air in lungs can make the heart difficult to see
some patients can’t lie flat which makes it hard to take images

Question 2

Plain X-ray

Answer 2

PA(back to front) or AP(front to back)
most of time AP
can see cardiac size, aortic enlargement, fluid in lungs

Question 3

Cardiac ultrasound

Answer 3

no radiation
quick and easy
patient can sit up
no IV contrast or invasive equipment

Question 4

Blood Flow detection

Answer 4

doppler ultrasound can detect forward and backward blood flow as well as characterising stenosed and regurgitating heart valves
can also detect velocity of blood flow

Question 5

trans oesophageal echo

Answer 5

camera down oesophagus
invasive and uncomfortable for patient
avoids obstructions such as ribs for a clearer image

Question 6

stress echocardiography

Answer 6

identifies ischaemic abnormal movement of LV walls
can identify myocardial viability or valve dysfunction