UChicago Medicine's Heart and Vascular Center uses the newest technologies for cardiac imaging

Amit Patel MD

The physicians of the University of Chicago Medicine Cardiac Imaging Center use the most advanced noninvasive and minimally invasive approaches to see inside the heart, figure out what is wrong and determine the best way to fix it. Our specialists are not only expert interpreters of cardiac imaging studies, but they also train others to perform and read the studies.

Echocardiogram (echo) A valuable tool for diagnosing many types of heart disease, echo uses sound waves to check the heart’s structure, movements and blood flow. Our physicians pioneered three-dimensional echo as well as the use of safe contrast agents for improving image quality.

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (Cardiac MRI) Cardiac MRI produces detailed images of the beating heart. This tool helps doctors evaluate blood flow abnormalities and heart muscle disease and can uncover the cause of a patient’s heart failure or chest pain. Some conditions that previously required invasive tests can now be diagnosed noninvasively with cardiac MRI.

Cardiac Computed Tomography (CT) Angiography A noninvasive imaging technology, CT angiography helps physicians identify blockages and narrowing of the arteries, and establish future heart attack risk. Our highly advanced 256-slice CT scanner provides sharp, 3D images while minimizing radiation exposure.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) PET and SPECT are types of nuclear cardiac imaging tests using low-dose radioactive tracers to detect areas of inflammation and blood flow in the heart. Physicians use the tests to identify patients at high risk for coronary heart disease and to diagnose heart damage related to a heart attack or other heart illnesses.

Cardiovascular Imaging Center

Heart experts at the University of Chicago Heart and Vascular Imaging Center diagnose heart and blood vessel problems using the most advanced noninvasive and minimally invasive approaches.

Read more about our cardiac imaging services