A New Forum for Cardiovascular Imaging Research

Abstract

The field of cardiovascular imaging is witnessing an explosive expansion of its armamentarium of noninvasive technologies capable of providing detailed information about the structure and function of the heart and vasculature. Many of these technologies are integrating (eg, positron emission tomography and computed tomography, positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance imaging), compounding the unique strengths of the component technologies to achieve improved diagnosis of disease and better patient care. In addition, the miniaturization of imaging devices with dramatic increases in sensitivity and spatial resolution, coupled with the development of quantitative targeted imaging approaches for evaluating physiology and pathophysiology at the cellular and molecular levels, provides a unique platform for a new era in diagnostic imaging. The crucial role of imaging in early phenotyping of disease, risk definition, management guidance, and outcome assessment is expanding rapidly in ways previously thought unrealistic. These technological advances have ignited an unprecedented convergence of disciplines (cardiology, radiology, nuclear medicine, molecular biology, medical physics, and chemistry) that together are promoting innovation and new clinical applications in cardiovascular imaging. The dramatic growth …