Cardiac Imaging

Question 1

X-Rays for cardiac imaging

Answer 1

Overview of heart size and contours

Evaluation for heart failure

Question 2

CT for cardiac imaging

Answer 2

Coronary artery and valvular anatomy
Pericardial fluid
Requires contrast and not all patients can receive it (allergies, nephrotoxicity)

Question 3

Echocardiography for cardiac imaging

Answer 3

Ultrasound
Chamber and valvular anatomy
Examine blood flow and contractility (can see live motion of heart)

Question 4

What is the ‘gold standard’ for imaging

Answer 4

MRI
Except for coronary arteries
Provides even better anatomic and functional data than CT ad Echo and no radiation

Question 5

How can you diagnose cardiomegaly on X-ray?

Answer 5

Cardiothoracic ratio >50%

Shouldn’t take up more than half of thoracic cavity

Question 6

Pericardial cyst

Answer 6

Can be seen as an increased density on x-ray
Benign congenital abnormality
Occurs more commonly on the right side

Question 7

Pericardium is best viewed on which modality?

Answer 7

CT

But should be very thin (barely perceptible)

Question 8

Pericardial effusion

Answer 8

Fluid accumulation in the pericardial cavity

Question 9

Angiography

Answer 9

Imaging of the vessels

Question 10

RCA supplies what structures

Answer 10

RA
RV
Conducting system