Page 39 - TPIS2022

Lecture title:

Cardiovascular imaging: techniques, applications, and translation

ABSTRACT:

High morbidity and mortality rate associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is
reported by WHO. This health concern presents CVD as one of the essential topics in
translational research. These studies focus on the causes, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and
treatment of CVD, enhance the knowledge, and develop the current approaches in this
field. In this regard, cardiovascular imaging plays an important role in designing CVD
studies. As diagnostic imaging technology is advancing constantly, we have a possibility of
using the same cardiovascular imaging technology used for human diagnosis in animal
models. Thus, the studies in this area can benefit from different diagnostic imaging
modalities in the evaluation of the structural, functional and molecular changes and
guide the interventional process in surgical planning or direct delivery of the medications.
For these purposes, conventional radiology is helpful in the evaluation of the size of the
heart, intrathoracic main vessels and related pulmonary changes. Fluoroscopy is mainly
used for real-time angiography or interventional processes. Ultrasonography/Echocardiography
allows a real-time evaluation of the cardiac cycles, structural and functional changes as well
as vascular changes. MRI has a special ability to evaluate the tissues and is beneficial in the
evaluation of necrosis, perfusion, scar formation/ fibrosis, fat deposition and myocardial
edema. CT angiography is an advantageous method for the evaluation of the heart and
vessels. Nuclear medicine-based techniques (PET or SPECT) can be used for an assessment
of myocardial metabolic and perfusion characterization. In conclusion, by using a proper
diagnostic imaging modality in the design of the CVD studies, researchers will be able to
evaluate and follow up on anatomical, functional, and tissue changes in a non-invasive way.
In this lecture, we will discuss different diagnostic imaging modalities and also modalities
of choice in the evaluation of different CVDs.

5 International TPCF Preclinical Imaging Symposium (2022) 39
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