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Cardiac Imaging

South Coast Radiology provides advanced cardiac imaging services using state-of-the-art technology to assist in accurately diagnosing patients and developing effective treatment plans across our network of clinics in the Gold Coast.

These medical imaging procedures are used to identify heart-related conditions like heart disease, valve abnormalities, and structural irregularities in the heart’s size and shape.

Our team examines these medical images to detect heart ailments, explore the root cause of symptoms, track the condition of the heart and one’s cardiac health, and assess the effectiveness of treatment. From there, these imaging tests allow referring doctors to deliver the best patient care possible.

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Cardiac Imaging Services

South Coast Radiology offers a comprehensive range of cutting-edge cardiac imaging techniques. These advanced technologies enable our radiologists and referring doctors to accurately diagnose and evaluate various cardiovascular conditions. These techniques include:

Calcium Scoring

Calcium scoring is a method used to visualise and measure the amount of calcified plaque present in the coronary arteries. It is typically performed using a non-contrast cardiac computed tomography (CT) scan, similar to a CTCA. The calcium score obtained from this scan provides valuable information about an individual’s risk for developing coronary artery disease.

During the calcium scoring procedure, the CT scanner takes multiple images of the heart. These images are then analysed to identify and quantify the amount of calcified plaque present in the coronary arteries. The calcified plaque is a result of the build-up of cholesterol and other substances in the artery walls, which can lead to the narrowing and blockage of the arteries.

Cardiac MRI

Cardiac MRI is a non-invasive technique used to assess the function and structure of the cardiovascular system. Utilising Magnetic Resonance Imaging technology, South Coast Radiology can assess myocardial viability, assess cardiomyopathy, measure ventricular volumes, investigate suspected myocarditis, characterise myocardial masses, and quantify blood flow across heart valves.

The scan will take 45-60 minutes to complete, and no special preparation is required. Before their procedure, patients will be given an MRI safety questionnaire to complete. During the procedure, ECG dots and leads will be placed onto the patient’s chest to monitor the heart during the scan, and a cannula will be inserted into the patient’s arm so a contrast agent can be given during the MRI. A lightweight blanket camera will be placed on the patient’s chest to acquire MRI images, and the patient will be required to hold their breath multiple times during the scan.

This form of medical imaging is tailored to the individual patient using a variety of methods and is able to overcome various limitations to acquire high-quality cardiac images.

Computed Tomography Coronary Angiography (CTCA)

CTCA is a non-invasive examination of the coronary arteries which carries a low risk and minimal radiation exposure. This form of medical imaging is designed to evaluate the coronary arteries that carry blood to and from the heart.

It can accurately detect and grade stenoses or narrowing within the coronary arteries, while showing high-quality images of the developmental anomalies of the coronary vessels. Accurate assessment of stenoses is a crucial step in determining the severity of coronary artery disease, and guiding patient care and treatment decisions. Additionally, it also plays a vital role in assessing the need for further interventions including stenting or bypass surgery.

The low radiation dose and minimally invasive nature of CTCA sets it apart from other treatment options, including traditional coronary angiography.

Echocardiogram

A Transthoracic Echocardiogram, also called an echo, is a complex, non-invasive examination that uses ultrasound to image the heart. This examination provides detailed live images of the heart’s muscle pump and the valves and gives a highly accurate assessment of the overall health of your heart.

Echocardiograms use sound waves to create detailed images of the heart’s chambers, valves, and blood flow. It allows the cardiac radiologist to assess the overall function of the heart, detect abnormalities in the heart valves, and evaluate the efficiency of blood circulation.

Myocardial Perfusion

To assess myocardial perfusion and detect abnormalities, several imaging techniques are available. Nuclear imaging techniques such as single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET) can be employed. These methods involve injecting a small amount of a radioactive tracer into the bloodstream, which is taken up by the myocardium. The distribution of the tracer helps visualise blood flow and identify areas of reduced perfusion, indicating possible ischemic regions.

Myocardial scans give information useful in diagnosing and managing conditions such as coronary artery disease, dead tissue resulting from a lack of blood supply (infarcts) and diseases of the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy).

At South Coast Radiology, we utilise the latest in medical imaging technology. This includes the latest generation of multi-slice CT scanners with AiCE technology, which allows for ultra-high-detail 3D imaging.

These advances in technology allow our radiology professionals to give referrers easier access and prompt report turnaround times to improve patient outcomes.

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