Chapter 3: Diagnostic Modalities in Cardiology

Iodinated Contrast

Intravenous Iodinated Contrast Use in Cardiac Computed Tomography Angiography.

Chapter 3: Diagnostic Modalities in Cardiology

• Section 3.1: Electrocardiography (ECG)

  • 3.1.1: Basic Principles and Leads
    • Bipolar and unipolar limb leads
    • Precordial leads and their anatomical view
  • 3.1.2: ECG Interpretation
    • Rhythm analysis and intervals (PR, QRS, QT)
    • Axis deviation and chamber enlargement
  • 3.1.3: Pathological ECG Findings
    • ST-segment and T-wave changes in ischemia
    • Q waves in infarction

• Section 3.2: Echocardiography

  • 3.2.1: Transthoracic vs. Transesophageal
    • Indications for each modality
    • Advantages and limitations
  • 3.2.2: Doppler Flow Analysis
    • Color flow imaging
    • Pulsed-wave and continuous-wave Doppler
  • 3.2.3: Specialized Echo Techniques
    • Strain imaging and speckle tracking
    • 3D echocardiography

• Section 3.3: Cardiac Imaging

  • 3.3.1: Cardiac CT
    • Coronary calcium scoring
    • CT angiography for coronary anatomy
  • 3.3.2: Cardiac MRI
    • Viability and scar assessment
    • T1 and T2 mapping for tissue characterization
  • 3.3.3: Nuclear Cardiology
    • Myocardial perfusion imaging (SPECT and PET)
    • Gated blood pool scanning

• Section 3.4: Cardiac Catheterization and Angiography

  • 3.4.1: Indications and Pre-procedural Assessment
    • Clinical symptoms and risk factors
    • Patient preparation and consent
  • 3.4.2: Techniques
    • Radial vs. femoral access
    • Selective coronary angiography
  • 3.4.3: Invasive Hemodynamic Assessment
    • Measurement of cardiac chamber pressures
    • Oxygen saturation run and shunt detection