Cardiac Imaging

Heart experts at the University of Chicago Hospitals can diagnose heart and blood vessel problems using the most advanced noninvasive or minimally invasive tools. Over the years, our experts have pioneered many of the cardiac imaging techniques used around the world.

The Cardiac Imaging Center at the University of Chicago Hospitals

Patients who are referred by their doctors to the University of Chicago Hospitals for cardiac imaging benefit from our unique collaboration of experts. Our Cardiac Imaging Center is jointly staffed by both radiologists and cardiologists with extensive cardiac imaging expertise--making it one of the first in the country to adopt this integrated approach. By combining our expertise, we can offer the best range of imaging solutions available.

Leading-Edge Tests for Heart and Valve Function

The Cardiac Imaging Center offers many state-of-the-art technologies--some of which are not widely available:

Echocardiography
Nuclear Imaging
Coronary Angiography
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Computed Tomography (CT)
Carotid Intima Media Thickness (CIMT)

Echocardiography

An echocardiogram is a valuable tool that doctors use to diagnose and manage many forms of heart disease. This painless, non-invasive test uses sound waves to check the heart's structure, movements, and blood flow. It is an important tool for checking heart valves and tracking heart conditions over time.

One technology that sets us apart is our expertise with three-dimensional (3-D) echocardiography, an advanced technique that allows doctors to see the heart in three dimensions--just as a surgeon would see it. Physicians at the University of Chicago pioneered this 3-D technology and defined how 3-D echo can be used to distinguish between normal and abnormal hearts.

The echocardiography lab at University of Chicago Hospitals was the first in the Chicago area--and one of the first in North America--to gain accreditation from the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation for Echocardiography Laboratories (ICAEL).

A number of "echo" technologies are available at the University of Chicago Hospitals, including:

  • Exercise stress echocardiogram. During these tests, a patient uses a treadmill to assess how the heart functions during activity.
  • Dobutamine stress echocardiogram. This is an option for patients who cannot exercise but who require a cardiac stress test. During this test, the patient receives medication that temporarily causes the heart to beat faster, as it does during exercise.
  • Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE). This semi-invasive test gives an even clearer picture of the heart than other echo tests. During this test, the patient is sedated and a small probe is placed down the esophagus. Doctors also use TEE to study heart valves or check for blood clots in the heart before interventional procedures or during surgery to monitor patients with existing heart problems.
  • Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE). These are advanced tests performed by interventional cardiologists to "guide" them during procedures to fix valves or holes inside the heart. In ICE, doctors insert a tiny imaging tool called a transducer inside the heart, using thin tubes called catheters. Our doctors have extensive expertise in performing ICE in a wide variety of patients.

Nuclear Imaging

Nuclear images of heart Nuclear images showing blood supply to heart muscle

Nuclear imaging uses special radionuclide dyes to check a patient's blood supply to the heart muscle and heart function. During these tests, the doctor injects a small amount of dye into the patient's vein. A camera then "picks up" the dye, looking for areas of the heart that are at risk because they aren't receiving enough blood

Experts at the University of Chicago Hospitals were instrumental in developing the field of clinical nuclear medicine. Today, our doctors use the latest technologies to screen patients at high risk for coronary artery disease but who may not have any symptoms. Using nuclear imaging, doctors also can determine if patients with existing heart disease might benefit from interventional treatment.

Coronary Angiography

Coronary angiogram Image taken during coronary angiography

Our interventional cardiologists perform a broad range of diagnostic procedures and therapeutic interventions in the cardiac catheterization laboratory. These include coronary angiography, in which a catheter is inserted into the heart through a vein in the groin. Through this tube, doctors inject a safe dye that is visible on an X-ray, which allows them to see the coronary arteries and determine whether blood flow to the heart muscle is normal.

Interventional procedures can also be used to treat heart problems, such as faulty valves or holes in the heart. These procedures are performed by specially trained cardiologists.



Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

MRI is an important tool that can provide detailed images of the beating heart. This completely noninvasive technique helps doctors study how the heart pumps and functions. MRI doesn't use X-rays, but relies upon a large magnet, radio waves, and a computer to create an series of images of the heart at different levels. It is particularly useful for patients whose echo images are not good enough to make a diagnosis.

In addition, MR angiography allows doctors to produce images of the blood vessels.

Computed Tomography (CT) and 64-Slice CT

64- slice CT image of heart 3-D volume rendering of the heart

Traditional CT scanners have two to 16 detectors that work with X-ray beams to produce thin, slice-like images of the body. The more detectors a scanner has, the better the pictures it provides.

In 2005, the University of Chicago Hospitals became home to the first 64-slice CT scanner in the United States. With its 64 detectors, the scanner provides much more detailed images than traditional scanners. It is also much faster, allowing complex scans of the heart and coronary arteries in record time. For example, a high-resolution picture of the heart takes only about five seconds, while scans of coronary arteries can take less than 10 seconds.

CT image of heart showing stent A stent in place inside a coronary artery is visible on this CT image.

When doctors need to detect clogged arteries, for example, the new 64-slice CT scanner sometimes can be used in place of more invasive tests. What's more, the new scanner can "time" its pictures so that it can be used to study a beating heart--providing clear pictures without blurring caused by the heart's motion. CT also can help doctors check the heart after heart surgery. In addition, they can be valuable tools for checking heart defects in children and adults. Learn more about 64-slice CT »

Carotid Intima Media Thickness (CIMT)

ArterioVision Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT) testing uses ultrasound technology to measure the thickness of the wall of the carotid artery in the neck. The thicker the arterial wall, the greater the risk for heart attack or stroke. Learn more »


Do You Need a Cardiac Imaging Test?

If you are interested in coming to the University of Chicago Hospitals, talk with your doctor about a referral, or call 1-888-UCH-0200 to schedule an appointment with one of our cardiologists or request an appointment online.




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