Cardiac Noninvasive Imaging: Chest Radiography, Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance and Computed Tomography of the Heart

Non-invasive imaging plays an important role in the management of cardiac diseases. While chest radiography forms a standard part of the diagnostic work-up and follow-up of many cardiac patients, evolving technology related to cardiac computed tomography (CT) and cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging have contributed substantially to the diagnosis and prognosis of various cardiac pathologies. This chapter describes chest radiography findings of cardiopulmonary abnormalities and diseases, including recognition of valvular prostheses as well as pericardial and aortic abnormalities. This is followed by a section on cardiac CT and CMR where scan modes and sequences, indications specific to cardiology and safety issues are addressed.