In this section
The Cardiac Imaging service at Manchester Royal Infirmary specialises in investigating the heart using a variety of advanced imaging technologies. Detailed pictures of the heart are created, revealing the heart’s structure and the blood flow within the arteries and through the heart valves. These images allow doctors to diagnose and monitor a wide range of disease that affect the heart. They are also play a vital role in planning for cardiac procedures or surgery. These imaging techniques include:
- Echocardiography (Ultrasound): Uses sound waves to create real-time images of the heart’s chambers, valves, and motion. Includes transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in which the images are recorded by a scan probe touched against the chest, and transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) in which the scan probe is swallowed after the patient has received sedation.
- Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Uses powerful magnetic fields to provide very detailed images of the heart’s anatomy and function including imaging of scarring within the heart muscle to identify specific heart muscle diseases. These scans typically take 45-60 minutes and take place in the tunnel of a large scanner which some people may find claustrophobic.
- Computed Tomography (CT) of the Heart: Uses X-ray imaging to generate cross sections and 3D images of the heart. Includes coronary calcium scoring and CT angiography to detect blockages or hardening of the coronary arteries (calcification). The scan may require injection of a contrast dye, and patients may need a medicine to temporarily slow the heart rate. These scans typically take less time to perform than an MRI and are much less likely to cause claustrophobia.
- Stress Imaging: Imaging performed whilst they heart is stressed by exercise or medications to look for signs of a reduced blood supply to the heart.
The cardiac imaging department also works closely with the Nuclear Medicine department to perform nuclear scans of the heart (myocardial perfusion scans, FDG-PET scans). These scans can help assess whether narrowings within the coronary arteries are interfering with the flow of blood to the heart muscle, and can look for areas of inflammation within the heart.
Contact Details
| Manchester Heart Centre Reception | 0161 276 4132 |
| Echocardiography | 0161 276 3334 |