Cardiac imaging technologies are increasing rapidly and are becoming increasingly important in helping the growing congenital heart disease (CHD) population who are being treated with more complex surgical and catheter-based procedures, according to a JACC Scientific Statement published Jan. 1 in JACC.

Ritu Sachdeva, MBBS, FACC, et. al, note that advances in cardiac imaging allow better visualization of complex cardiac anatomy and improved assessment of physiology. They write that “while some techniques are in their infancy and need further refinement, others have found their way into clinical workflow at well-resourced centers.”

The authors provide an overview of advances in novel imaging techniques including echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance, cardiac computed tomography, invasive angiography, 3D modeling and digital twin technology, as well as the integration of artificial intelligence with imaging technology.

They also note that prior to widespread implementation of emerging cardiac imaging technologies, strategies to assess clinical value and cost-effectiveness are needed, along with resources for education and training.

‘’It is crucial that diagnostic imaging care pathways and appropriate use criteria for common scenarios be established to avoid both overuse and underuse of these new technologies. Training and education for both imaging specialists and non-specialists will be crucial to achieving this aim,” they write.