Imaging

Duke offers state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging methods, including echocardiography, ultrasound, nuclear medicine imaging, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT scans).

Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram provides detailed pictures of the moving heart and involves no radiation exposure.

A leader in the field of echocardiography for more than three decades, Duke provides a comprehensive, state-of-the-art diagnostic service.

Procedures available include:

  • Echocardiography
  • Stress echocardiography
  • Pharmacologic stress echocardiography
  • Transesophageal echocardiography
  • Contrast echocardiography
  • Intracardiac, intraoperative, and intravascular ultrasound

Cardiac MRI

MRI shows details of heart structure, function, and blood flow with unrivalled crispness.

Especially when a patient has an enlarged, poorly contracting heart, MRI can provide more specific, higher-level information such as how big the heart is and how thick the walls are, to help physicians make the best treatment decisions.

Duke offers cardiac MRIs at the Duke Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Center, the first such facility in the nation devoted exclusively to cardiovascular MRI and the largest such program in the U.S.

CT Scans

During the painless, non-invasive cardiac CT scan procedure, an x-ray beam creates 3D images of the coronary arteries and cardiac chambers.

There are limitations; most patients still require the use of beta-blockers to slow heart rate, and patients with arrhythmias remain ineligible for CT scans.

Physicians

Physicians offering this service include:

Locations

This service is available at:

About This Page

Published: 02/21/2007
Updated: 02/21/2007
URL: http://www.dukehealth.org/Services/GeneralConsultativeHeartCare/Tests/Imaging