Cardiovascular Imaging

UT Southwestern Medical Center’s experienced heart doctors use a variety of advanced imaging technologies to help them visualize and appropriately treat all types of cardiovascular conditions. 

Our team is a nationally recognized leader in the development and use of advanced cardiovascular imaging techniques.

Advanced Technologies to Visualize and Care for the Heart

Our team thoroughly reviews all imaging studies, making careful treatment recommendations based on all available information.

Skilled in both interpreting cardiovascular images and putting them into clinical use, our specialists deliver the best possible care to our patients utilizing cardiovascular imaging, including:

• Computed tomography (CT): Cardiac CT imaging combines X-rays and computer technology to create detailed, cross-sectional views of the heart and surrounding arteries.
• Coronary CT angiography: This type of CT scan uses contrasting dyes to deliver even greater detail about the patient’s cardiovascular structures.
• Echocardiography (echo or cardiac ultrasound): An echocardiogram is a noninvasive procedure that provides images of the heart valves and chambers. It can be used to determine the presence of heart disease and measure the effectiveness of treatments. Types of echocardiography include:
  • Stress echocardiogram: This study, often used to detect coronary artery disease, shows how well the heart pumps blood before and after a cardiac stress test.
  • 3D echocardiogram: This test produces highly detailed images that help assess heart valve function and congenital heart conditions.
  • Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE): This study uses an external probe to get detailed images of the heart.
  • Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE): This test involves a probe that is passed down the throat to get clearer, unobstructed images of the heart.
• Cardiac MRI: Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI uses powerful magnets – not radiation – to create detailed images of the heart and surrounding blood vessels. An advanced form of this test, rapid cardiac MRI, uses modified MRI systems to create moving pictures of a beating heart.
• Positron emission tomography (PET)/nuclear heart imaging: PET/nuclear heart scans use a safe, radioactive substance that is injected into the patient’s bloodstream to create detailed 3D images of the heart. PET can be used to monitor blood flow and evaluate the condition of the heart.
• Multiple-gated acquisition (MUGA) scan: MUGA is a state-of-the-art nuclear imaging study that evaluates whether the heart is pumping blood properly.
• Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scan: SPECT uses a rotating gamma camera that can move during the scan to provide a more complete picture of a particular body part.

Support Services

UT Southwestern’s cardiac rehabilitation specialists create customized plans that integrate proper nutrition, exercise, and, if necessary, nicotine cessation into patients’ lifestyles to improve their cardiovascular health.

Clinical Trials

As one of the nation’s top academic medical centers, UT Southwestern offers a number of clinical trials aimed at improving the outcomes of patients with cardiovascular disease.

Clinical trials often give patients access to leading-edge treatments that are not yet widely available. Eligible patients who choose to participate in one of UT Southwestern’s clinical trials might receive treatments years before they are available to the public.