Matters of the Heart: Radiography, CT, MRI, and Sonography in Cardiovascular Imaging

LaKeidra Taylor Bell, MSRS, R.T. (R)(ARRT)®

^*Senior Clinical Coordinator and Didactic Faculty, Baton Rouge General Medical Center, School of Radiologic Technology, Baton Rouge, LA.

Address correspondence to: LaKeidra Taylor Bell, MSRS, R.T.(R)(ARRT)^®*, Baton Rouge General School of Radiology, 3616 North Boulevard, Baton Rouge, LA 70806. E-mail: Lakeidra.taylorbell@brgeneral.org.

Disclosure Statement: The author reports having no significant financial or advisory relationships with corporate organizations related to this activity.

ABSTRACT

The cardiovascular system is a large system that is vital for the human body to function. Many vessels, organs, and muscles work together to contribute to the heart pumping efficiently and effectively. Radiological imaging has always played a vital role in assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients with cardiac disease and conditions to keep the cardiovascular system functioning at optimal levels. It is important that radiologic technologists who perform, or assist with, imaging studies of patients with cardiac issues be well versed in all aspects of anatomy, cardiac disease, and the necessary studies that may be required. This course will discuss the cardiovascular system anatomy and its functions as well as the imaging modalities that play major roles in assisting clinicians with making sure that this system to functions properly, including radiography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and sonography. There will also be discussion of common cardiovascular pathologic conditions such as coarctation of the aorta, hypertension, cardiac arrhythmia, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, and myocardial infarction, along with signs and symptoms, risk factors, treatment options, and the role imaging plays with these diseases for visualization, diagnosis, and treatment.