Cardiology Conference-CVC 2026

The importance of congenital cardiac imaging is indispensable for the diagnosis, evaluation, and management of congenital heart disease (CHD) in infants, children, and adults with residual defects. Imaging is crucial for accurate assessment of heart anatomy, function, and blood flow, which is vital information for clinical and surgical decision-making.

Imaging tools include:

Echocardiography: The first line of assessment for congenital heart disease. It provides real-time assessment of cardiac chambers, valves, septal defects, and complex anomalies.

Cardiac CT: Provides excellent resolution in 3D of coronary arteries, great vessels, and complex structural abnormalities and is an invaluable tool for surgical and interventional planning.

Cardiac MRI: Provides detailed functional assessment, tissue characterization, and evaluation of ventricular volumes and flow dynamics, all being especially valuable for complex CHD and repaired CHD.

Clinical applications include detection and monitoring of:

Septal defects, valve malformations, and outflow tracts.

Complex cyanotic heart defects and residual lesions following surgical intervention.

Vascular anomalies and aortic pathology.

The benefits of congenital cardiac imaging are non-invasive assessment, detailed anatomical and functional assessment, and the ability to help guide minimally-invasive or surgical interventions. Early and precise imaging leads to improved outcomes, fewer complications, and the potential to develop patient-specific management programs.

Multidisciplinary collaboration between pediatric cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and imaging specialists ensure optimal interpretation of congenital cardiac imaging and clinical decision-making, and continuously developing 3D imaging technologies.""