Cardiac Imaging Emerges as Backbone of Modern Cardiology
Thiruvananthapuram: In a significant development for medical science, cardiac imaging has evolved from a mere diagnostic support tool into the fundamental backbone of contemporary cardiology. This transformation was highlighted by leading experts during the annual conference of the Indian Academy of Echocardiography (IAE), Kerala chapter, held in Thiruvananthapuram.
Technological Advances Driving Precision
Inaugurating the conference, Dr Sunitha Viswanathan, president of IAE Kerala Chapter, emphasized that recent advances in echocardiography and multimodality imaging have substantially improved both diagnostic capabilities and interventional procedures. Techniques such as strain imaging, 3D echocardiography, CT-based procedural planning, and AI-assisted image analysis have enhanced precision and safety in cardiac care.
According to Dr Viswanathan, artificial intelligence and automation have revolutionized visualization, accuracy, and reproducibility in cardiac imaging. These technologies enable earlier detection of heart muscle dysfunction and facilitate safer execution of complex medical procedures. These innovations supplement clinical judgment and assist in planning structural interventions, device closures, and valve repairs with significantly greater safety.
Addressing Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction
Delivering the keynote address, Dr Shantanu Sengupta, national president of IAE, focused on recent updates concerning Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF). This condition occurs when the heart pumps normally but becomes stiff and fails to relax properly, leading to significant health challenges.
Dr Sengupta noted that the increasing prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, and obesity has contributed to HFpEF emerging as a major health concern, particularly among middle-aged and elderly populations. This growing epidemic underscores the critical need for advanced diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
Imaging as a Therapeutic Compass
Dr A George Koshy, organising chairman of the conference, described how cardiac imaging has transitioned into what he termed a "therapeutic compass" that guides treatment decisions. Imaging now determines the timing, strategy, and safety of treatment across various conditions including HFpEF, congenital heart disease, prosthetic valve dysfunction, and structural heart interventions.
Dr Koshy added that this year's conference focus centers on integrating advanced echocardiography techniques with complementary technologies:
- Computed Tomography (CT) imaging
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Catheter-based procedures
This integration represents a holistic approach to cardiac care, where imaging not only identifies problems but actively guides therapeutic interventions with unprecedented precision.
The consensus among experts is clear: cardiac imaging has moved beyond simple diagnosis to become an indispensable tool that shapes treatment pathways, improves patient outcomes, and addresses the growing burden of cardiovascular diseases through technological innovation and clinical integration.
