Chapter 7 Selected Diseases and Disorders of the Cardiovascular System
7.2b Cardiovascular Function – Diagnostic Imaging
Zoë Soon
Ultrasound and Echocardiography:
- 2D Ultrasound:
- Provides a detailed view of heart structures, including the ventricles, atria, and atrioventricular valves.
- Useful in identifying abnormalities such as holes in the interventricular septum; blood flow through such a defect can be evaluated for volume and velocity.
- Allows for detection of murmurs due to turbulent blood flow.
- 3D and 4D Echocardiography:
- 3D Imaging: Reconstructed from multiple 2D angles to provide a comprehensive view.
- 4D Imaging (with time): Offers real-time visualization, capturing dynamic heart movements like valve closure.
- Helps assess valve function and detect any incompetence or prolapse.
X-Ray Imaging:
- Cardiac Silhouette:
- X-rays offer insight into heart size and shape.
- Cardiac Hypertrophy: Enlarged heart indicative of stress or heart disease, seen as the heart occupying more than one-third of the chest width.
- Can detect pulmonary edema: Fluid accumulation in alveoli, indicating heart failure or pulmonary hypertension.
- Pulmonary Edema:
- X-rays show interstitial and alveolar fluid, presenting as white areas in lung fields.
- Associated with pulmonary congestion, often from heart failure, where engorged pulmonary vessels leak fluid.
CT Scanning:
- 3D CT Imaging:
- Advanced imaging provides cross-sectional views of the heart and blood vessels.
- CT Angiography: Enhanced with radiodense dyes like iodine to visualize coronary arteries.
- Detects coronary artery disease (CAD): Highlights blockages or atherosclerotic plaques in coronary circulation, essential for diagnosing risks of myocardial infarction.
Diagnostic Applications:
- These non-invasive tests provide crucial information about cardiac structure, function, and vascular health.
- Early detection of abnormalities allows for timely intervention and management of cardiovascular diseases.
Summary: Ultrasound, X-rays, and CT scans are invaluable in diagnosing heart conditions. These tools visualize heart anatomy, detect vascular lesions, and monitor blood flow and valve function, guiding effective treatment strategies for cardiovascular health.
