Radiology

Question 1

CXR (2)

Answer 1

Must be in PA projection as AP projection of heart is exaggerated
Heart size should be less than 50% of thoracic cavity

Question 2

Angiography CT (3)

Answer 2

Looks at coronary arteries
Assess anomalies, coronary plaques/stenosis, stents and CABGs
Cons are radiation, invasive, complication risk, iodine allergy

Question 3

Echocardiography - Heart US (4)

Answer 3

Immediate availability
Assess heart function, valves, chambers, and chamber walls
Pro is no radiation
Cons are operator dependent (experience) and patient dependent (obesity, chest deformity)

Question 4

CT with IV contrast (3)

Answer 4

Looks at vessels, lungs, chambers and coronary function
Pros are good anatomy depiction, non invasive
Cons are radiation, resolution power poorer than catheter angiography, iodine allergy, special CT equipment and expertise required

Question 5

Cardiac MRI (4)

Answer 5

GOLD standard of investigations
Assess ventricular outflow function and anatomy
Pros are no radiation and excellent definition
Cons are time consuming, claustrophobia, MRI contraindications, expertise needed and not useful for coronary artery analysis

Question 6

Nuclear cardiology

Answer 6

Assess coronary artery disease impact on regional myocardial perfusion