Title:Advanced Cardiac Imaging of Radiation-induced Injury - a Review
Volume: 14
Author(s): Xiao-ying Zhang and Pei-ying Zhang*
Affiliation:
- Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou 221009, Jiangsu Province,China
Keywords:
Cardiac imaging, radiation, injury, computed tomography, MRI, tissue.
Abstract: The radiation exposure to cardiac tissues often result in severe form of cardiac injuries
whose underlying mechanisms are not well understood till date. The most obvious choice to determine
the extent of radiation-induced damages in cardiac tissues is via imaging. We searched the
electronic database PubMed for pre-clinical as well as clinical reports pertaining to the importance
of imaging modalities during radiation induced cardiac toxicity. It was observed clearly that various
imaging modalities are now available for the above purpose and each having different pros and
cons. Imaging modality offers non-invasive ways for the visualization of radiation induced toxic
changes. The potential effects of radiation on the heart could be imaged non-invasively through
echocardiography, Computed Tomography (CT), nuclear tomographic imaging, and Magnetic
Resonance Imaging (MRI), each with relative strengths in assessing different parameters of radiation-
induced injury. The latest in the line of various options of imaging is hybrid technology of imaging
that allows functional imaging with highest resolution. The present review article is aimed to
discuss all these imaging modalities with respect to their advantages and disadvantages. Also, their
potential role for studying radiation-induced cardiac toxicity is discussed.
