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Diagnostics
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New Trends in Cardiovascular Imaging: 2nd Edition
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New Trends in Cardiovascular Imaging: 2nd Edition

A Special Issue of Diagnostics (ISSN 2075-4418) belonging to the section "Medical Imaging and Theranostics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2026 | Viewed by 7093

Editor

Prof. Dr. Hans-Christoph Becker

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Radiology, Center of Academic Medicine, 453 Quarry Rd., 3rd Floor, Room 324F, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
Interests: cardiac CT; cardiac MRI
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In contemporary clinical practice, cardiac computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have emerged as indispensable tools, now integrated into guidelines for evaluating patients with congenital heart disease as well as those presenting with acute or chronic chest pain. The dynamic landscape of cardiac MRI is continues to evolve, facilitating myocardial tissue characterization, quantitative perfusion imaging, and the innovative realm of 4D flow imaging. Concurrently, cardiac CT is progressing with enhanced spatial resolution and the introduction of multi-energy imaging, which significantly enhance the assessment of coronary artery disease. These technological leaps facilitate detailed evaluation of fractional flow reserve, plaque composition, and the integrity of stents and bypass grafts.

Looking forward, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning stands poised to revolutionize the accessibility and utility of these imaging tools. AI-driven algorithms can improve efficiency, standardize interpretation, and expand access, potentially broadening the clinical reach of cardiac CT and MRI to a wider patient population.

This Special Issue aims to curate insights from leading experts in the field, focusing on the most promising aspects and clinical applications of the latest developments in cardiac CT and MRI. By highlighting these emerging trends and innovations, we seek to foster a deeper understanding of their potential impact on cardiac diagnostics and patient care.

Prof. Dr. Hans-Christoph Becker
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Diagnostics is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • cardiac CT
  • cardiac MRI
  • hybrid and multimodality imaging
  • artificial intelligence and machine learning
  • coronary artery disease
  • myocardial tissue characterization
  • congenital heart disease

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 11338 KB  
Article
Investigating Age-Dependent Oxygenation and Blood Perfusion in a Mouse Model of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Using Multispectral Optoacoustic Tomography (MSOT), Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging (LSCI) and Histology
by Bushra Afzal, Vy Tran, Na Nguyen, Savannah Qui-Tam Le, Tam Nguyen, Kytai T. Nguyen, Li Liu and Ralph P. Mason
Diagnostics 2026, 16(12), 1783; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16121783 - 9 Jun 2026
Viewed by 2060
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is frequently asymptomatic, requiring non-invasive approaches for disease evaluation and therapy monitoring. This study demonstrates that multispectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT) and laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) can non-invasively assess changes in tissue vascular oxygenation and perfusion, respectively, in [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is frequently asymptomatic, requiring non-invasive approaches for disease evaluation and therapy monitoring. This study demonstrates that multispectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT) and laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) can non-invasively assess changes in tissue vascular oxygenation and perfusion, respectively, in a mouse hindlimb PAD model, enabling comparison of age-dependent vascular responses. Methods: PAD was induced by cauterization of the femoral artery in young (2 months) and old (18 months) mice, which were imaged using MSOT and LSCI at baseline (Day 0) and on Days 3, 7, and 14 post-surgery. Correlative histology including Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E), Masson’s Trichrome for collagen, and immunofluorescence for CD31 and Ki-67 were performed. Results: Reduced tissue oxygenation was observed by MSOT in the ischemic limb shortly after surgery and faster recovery occurred in young compared to old mice. LSCI revealed time-dependent perfusion recovery in both groups, with consistently better recovery in young mice. Histological analyses confirmed ischemic damage and demonstrated enhanced angiogenesis and cellular proliferation in young muscle tissues. The observations were consistent for each methodology. Conclusions: These results indicate that both MSOT and LSCI serve as effective, non-invasive tools for longitudinal monitoring of muscle injury, capable of revealing age-dependent vascular responses without the need for exogenous contrast agents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Cardiovascular Imaging: 2nd Edition)
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Review

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15 pages, 4439 KB  
Review
Selective Angiographic Roadmap Analysis (SARA) of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Feeding Arteries for Transarterial Chemoembolization
by Sultan R. Alharbi
Diagnostics 2025, 15(19), 2533; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15192533 - 8 Oct 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1609
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a hypervascular malignancy commonly treated with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), in which success relies on the accurate identification and embolization of tumor feeding arteries while sparing the nontumorous liver parenchyma. This review introduces the concept of selective angiographic roadmap analysis [...] Read more.
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a hypervascular malignancy commonly treated with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), in which success relies on the accurate identification and embolization of tumor feeding arteries while sparing the nontumorous liver parenchyma. This review introduces the concept of selective angiographic roadmap analysis (SARA), a systematic and stepwise approach to evaluating hepatic arterial supply in HCC, with the aim of standardizing angiographic planning and improving TACE outcomes. SARA emphasizes recognition of typical and variant hepatic arterial anatomy, systematic identification of accessory and extrahepatic feeders, and integration with intraprocedural cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) to enhance feeder detection and reduce nontarget embolization. Although primarily applied in TACE, the principles of SARA are equally relevant to transarterial radioembolization (TARE) where precise arterial mapping is critical. Embolization strategies are discussed across different levels of selectivity, from lobar to superselective techniques. The complementary role of advanced imaging modalities, such as CT angiography (CTA), MR angiography (MRA), and artificial intelligence-assisted vessel tracking, is also explored. Adopting the SARA framework in conjunction with these technologies may improve technical success and tumor control and preserve liver function in patients undergoing intra-arterial therapies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Cardiovascular Imaging: 2nd Edition)
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Other

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3 pages, 573 KB  
Interesting Images
Anomalous Origin of the Right Coronary Artery from the Left Sinus of Valsalva: A Possible Trigger for Ventricular Arrhythmia
by Małgorzata Zalewska-Adamiec, Michał Łuczaj, Jakub Bondaruk, Kacper Falkowski, Emil Julian Dąbrowski, Marcin Kożuch and Sławomir Dobrzycki
Diagnostics 2026, 16(13), 1986; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16131986 - 26 Jun 2026
Viewed by 424
Abstract
Coronary anomalies in the form of anomalous aortic origin of the coronary arteries (AAOCA) are rare, but they may cause sudden cardiac death during physical activity in individuals under 35 years of age. We present the case of a 51-year-old man diagnosed with [...] Read more.
Coronary anomalies in the form of anomalous aortic origin of the coronary arteries (AAOCA) are rare, but they may cause sudden cardiac death during physical activity in individuals under 35 years of age. We present the case of a 51-year-old man diagnosed with a coronary artery anomaly—anomalous origin of the right coronary artery (RCA) from the left coronary sinus (AAORCA). The patient complained of palpitations during exercise, and ventricular arrhythmia was detected during an exercise electrocardiographic stress test. During coronary angiography, selective cannulation of the RCA was unsuccessful despite the use of multiple catheters. Therefore, coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) was performed, which revealed a high-risk anatomical variant of AAORCA. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Cardiovascular Imaging: 2nd Edition)
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7 pages, 579 KB  
Case Report
Fetal Speckle Tracking Technology for Critical Aortic Stenosis: Advancing Through Innovation
by Julia Murlewska, Sławomir Witkowski, Iwona Strzelecka and Maria Respondek-Liberska
Diagnostics 2025, 15(20), 2591; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15202591 - 14 Oct 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1012
Abstract
Background and Clinical Significance: This article explores the application of fetal speckle tracking technology in evaluating critical aortic stenosis (AS) in fetuses, highlighting its potential for predicting neonatal outcomes. Case Presentation: We present two cases of fetuses diagnosed with critical AS [...] Read more.
Background and Clinical Significance: This article explores the application of fetal speckle tracking technology in evaluating critical aortic stenosis (AS) in fetuses, highlighting its potential for predicting neonatal outcomes. Case Presentation: We present two cases of fetuses diagnosed with critical AS and associated complications at late gestation. Case 1 demonstrated preserved left ventricular function, as indicated by favorable global strain (GS), fractional area change (FAC), and ejection fraction (EF) values, despite critical conditions. This infant underwent successful postnatal interventions and was discharged after an extended NICU stay. In contrast, Case 2 exhibited severely compromised left ventricular function with significantly reduced GS, FAC, and EF parameters, leading to a tragic outcome despite intensive management. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that innovative echocardiographic parameters such as GS, FAC, and EF for the left ventricle are crucial in prognostic evaluations for fetuses with critical AS. The study underscores the importance of advancements in fetal cardiology and the need for further research to enhance prognostic assessments and improve clinical outcomes in affected neonates. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Cardiovascular Imaging: 2nd Edition)
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5 pages, 1327 KB  
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Dual-Energy Computed Tomography (DECT) for Diagnosing Contrast-Induced Encephalopathy (CIE) Mimicking Intracranial Hemorrhage (ICH): A Rare Case
by Yuhong Shen and Tianhe Ye
Diagnostics 2025, 15(19), 2426; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15192426 - 23 Sep 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1299
Abstract
Contrast-induced encephalopathy (CIE) is a rare complication after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) that mimics intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). Its computed tomography (CT) findings (cortical contrast enhancement, sulci effacement) overlap with cerebrovascular conditions (e.g., cerebral infarction, subarachnoid hemorrhage). Dual-energy CT (DECT) differentiates blood/calcification from iodinated [...] Read more.
Contrast-induced encephalopathy (CIE) is a rare complication after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) that mimics intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). Its computed tomography (CT) findings (cortical contrast enhancement, sulci effacement) overlap with cerebrovascular conditions (e.g., cerebral infarction, subarachnoid hemorrhage). Dual-energy CT (DECT) differentiates blood/calcification from iodinated contrast medium (CM) extravasation via material decomposition, contributing to the accurate diagnosis of CIE. We report a CIE case highlighting DECT’s value. A 74-year-old woman underwent PCI. 50 min post-PCI, she had moderate headache (Numeric Rating Scale 4), dizziness, non-projectile vomiting (no seizures); vital signs were stable, no focal deficits, mannitol ineffective. Non-contrast CT demonstrated a left parietal 75 Hounsfield unit (HU) high-attenuation lesion, indistinguishable from acute intracerebral hemorrhage. Conventional non-contrast CT revealed a high-attenuation lesion (75 HU) in the left parietal lobe—indistinguishable from ICH. DECT clarified the diagnosis: virtual non-contrast maps showed CM extravasation, iodine concentration maps confirmed focal CM accumulation, and effective atomic number maps improved lesion visualization. The patient’s headache resolved within 5 h; follow-up non-contrast CT at 24 h showed complete disappearance of the lesion. She resumed clopidogrel, discharged day 3 without sequelae. This case underscores DECT’s role in distinguishing CIE (transient CM, normal neuro exam) from ICH (persistent hemorrhage), guiding safe post-PCI antiplatelet therapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Cardiovascular Imaging: 2nd Edition)
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