Improved Imaging in Cardiac Patients: echocardiography and CT-coronary angiography Galema, T.W. 2010-06-30 Doctoral Thesis Cardiology

Diff erent non-invasive imaging modalities are used for to assess cardiac anatomy and function. Echocardiography and MRI allow assessment of cardiac structures and function of the cardiac chambers and valves as well as perfusion of the left ventricular wall while CT-angiography in addition provides unique information on the structure of the coronary arteries1. Nuclear cardiology off ers measurement of global, and to some extend regional left ventricular function and perfusion of the left ventricular wall. While these diff erent modalities continue to evolve, assessment of their accuracy, inter- and intraobserver reproducibility are crucial to assess their clinical value. In this thesis we present a series of studies of new applications of echocardiography. Echocardiography is a very versatile tool for diagnosis of valvular disease, congenital heart disease and cardiomyopathy. Yet, assessment of left ventricular function is hampered by uncertainty to determine the precise endocardial borders.
http://repub.eur.nl/res/pub/19975/100630_Galema%2C%20Tjebbe%20Wilhelmus.pdf