Radiology of the heart

Abstract

Imaging plays a critical role in the diagnosis of heart disease. In the past 25 to 30 yr, advanced imaging modalities such as digital angiography, echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and nuclear cardiology have become important in the evaluation of the heart. However, the conventional radiographic examination remains the mainstay of cardiac imaging. This chapter will discuss the role of the chest radiograph in the diagnosis of cardiac disease in adults, with an emphasis on both normal cardiovascular anatomy and pathoanatomy in a variety of diseases. Correlation will be made with cross-sectional imaging in order to illustrate important anatomic points. © 2006 Humana Press Inc.