Cardiac imaging: 2022 update

Cardiac imaging is a rapidly expanding and complex field with major recent advances in tissue characterisation and improvements in speed and radiation hygiene during angiography and isotope imaging. Cardiac imaging demand is dominated by the assessment of coronary artery disease (CAD) in Western societies and those with Western diets and lifestyles.

The aim of this article is to outline the various modalities available for assessment of cardiac disease. The reader will gain an understanding of the strengths and limitations of these modalities including echocardiography, nuclear imaging and computed tomography. There is also some discussion of current and future technologic advances.

CAD remains one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in Australia, and imaging is directed towards diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. In all but remote areas there is now access to either multiphase computed tomography, echocardiography and/or nuclear imaging. Along with the chest X-ray, these modalities provide the major diagnostic tools.