Dear Colleagues,

Cardiac imaging plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and treatment of various cardiovascular diseases. This Special Issue will collect recent papers detailing the developments in and clinical application of cardiovascular imaging techniques, including magnetic resonance imaging/angiography (MRI, MRA, and MRV); coronary angiography (CTA), such as cardiac CT; ultrasound; positron emission tomography (PET- CT); myocardial scintigraphy; and chest X-ray.

MRI is a non-invasive imaging technique that provides detailed information about the cardiac structure and function. Its advanced features, such as 4D flow, in addition to MRA/MRV, cine imaging, and late gadolinium enhancement, facilitate the accurate assessment of myocardial viability, myocardial infarction, and cardiomyopathy, including valves, aorta, pulmonary arteries, and veins, with a special focus on planning and following the minimal invasive therapy options. CT imaging, especially coronary CTA, has revolutionized the assessment of coronary artery disease. The high spatial resolution of CTA enables the visualization of coronary arteries and detection of atherosclerotic plaques, which simplifies risk stratification and guides treatment decisions. Ultrasound remains a modality widely used to quickly assess cardiac morphology, function, and valvular abnormalities. Its portability, real-time imaging approach, and Doppler capabilities make it an indispensable tool for carrying out bedside assessment and point-of-care diagnosis. PET and CT fusion imaging have shown promising results in cardiac applications that provide metabolic and anatomical information via a single examination, though, unfortunately, they cannot operate without generating radiation. Myocardial scintigraphy, when performed using radioactive tracers, provides functional information about myocardial blood flow and viability, as well as patients for whom there are contraindications related to MR, because of incompatible metallic implants. This approach helps us to detect risk stratification in patients with ischemia, infarction, and coronary artery disease. Chest X-rays continue to be used as a follow-up tool, as they enable quick detection of cardiac and lung abnormalities after therapy on hospital wards. However, heart-specific findings obtained using X-rays are limited compared to those of other imaging modalities.

In conclusion, cardiac imaging techniques, including MRI/ MRA/MRV, CT, CTA, ultrasound, PET CT, myocardial scintigraphy, and chest X-ray, have made remarkable progress in the diagnosis and treatment planning of various cardiovascular diseases. Authors are invited to submit papers for publication in this Special Issue that discuss recent developments in clinical research that could potentially minimize or avoid radiation and iodinated contrast media, as well as the practice of cardiac imaging technology. Original research articles and comments regarding the future direction of research are also welcome.

Dr. Manuela Adelinde Aschauer
Guest Editor

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• cardiovascular diseases
• cardiac imaging
• cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging and angiogrphy (MR, MRA)
• coronary CT angiography
• cardiac computed tomography
• cardiac ultrasound
• myocardial szintigraphy
• PET
• CT
• chest X-ray