Memorial Hermann Heart & Vascular Institute-Texas Medical Center

Screening & Diagnosis

Diagnostic Imaging and Testing

Every advance in cardiovascular medicine is closely linked to an advance in cardiac imaging and testing. The Memorial Hermann Heart & Vascular Institute-Texas Medical Center is equipped with the full range of technology for accurate, noninvasive assessment of a wide range of heart conditions.

Our cardiac imaging team includes established researchers with particular expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of valvular heart disease, diagnosis and treatment of adult congenital heart disease, evaluation and treatment of severe peripheral artery disease and noninvasive evaluation of the extent and severity of coronary artery disease.

Diagnostic Tests

• Cardiac CT - An advancing technology in the noninvasive assessment of coronary artery disease, CT angiography also provides information on the structure and function of the heart and great vessels. Calcium scoring provides an estimation of atherosclerotic risk.
• 64-Slice CT - The latest innovation in CT technology, the 64-slice CT scanner allows nearly all patients to be scanned with very high resolution. Scan times are now on the order of several seconds (usually 5-13 seconds). Faster exams translate to shorter lengths of time for breath holds and clearer, sharper images with fewer artifacts caused by patient movement or the motion of a beating heart.
• Cardiac MR - Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging offers a detailed assessment of function and structure of the heart and great vessels. It also provides information on the extent of myocardial scarring following infarction.
• Transthoracic Echocardiogram - This two-dimensional echocardiogram evaluates cardiac structure and function, including left ventricular systolic/diastolic function. Doppler evaluates valvular function. Tissue Doppler and strain imaging determine LV dyssynchrony and aid in optimization of chronic resynchronization therapy.
• Transesophageal Echocardiogram - This study is complementary to the transthoracic echocardiogram in evaluating cardiac structure and function. Commonly performed before cardioversion to rule out the presence of atrial thrombus, the study also aids in the evaluation of ischemic stroke and valvular involvement in endocarditis and gives more detailed information in complex valvular heart disease. Transesophageal echocardiogram offers a detailed assessment of aortic root in dissection.
• Stress Echocardiogram - Using treadmill stress testing, an echocardiogram is performed before and immediately after exercise to assess ventricular function. It is very specific for evaluation of flow-limiting for coronary artery disease.
• Dobutamine Echocardiogram - For patients unable to exercise, dobutamine can be used as a pharmacologic agent for stress testing. An echocardiogram is performed before, during and after dobutamine infusion to assess ventricular function in response to a chronotropic agent. It is a routine modality to determine pre-op cardiac risk and provides information on myocardial viability.
• Holter monitoring - This technology allows for continuous recording of the heart’s electrical activity while you go about your daily activities. It helps physicians diagnose abnormal heart rhythms and develop the most effective treatment plan.
• Nuclear Medicine - Based on the emission of gamma rays after patients are injected with a tracer, the cardiac nuclear medicine exam is used for assessment of coronary artery disease as well as myocardial viability. This examination is usually combined with treadmill testing or a pharmacologic agent, such as dobutamine or adenosine for patients unable to exercise.
• PET (Positron Emission Tomography) - Based on emission of positrons after patients are injected with a tracer, PET imaging allows for noninvasive assessment of coronary artery disease and myocardial viability.
• Tilt Table Test - Tilt table testing is designed to evaluate how your body regulates blood pressure in response to some very simple stresses and is often used to evaluate the cause of unexplained fainting or severe lightheadedness.
• Vascular Ultrasound  - Vascular ultrasound is an accurate modality to assess the significance of carotid arterial disease, peripheral vascular disease and peripheral venous obstruction.