Cardiovascular Imaging Division

The Cardiovascular Imaging (CVI) Division is dedicated to the application and advancement of the newest techniques for noninvasive evaluation of cardiac and vascular diseases. With an interdisciplinary approach to medicine, Penn researchers, physicians and care givers work together to provide world-class clinical care.

“When patients come to Penn, they can be assured that our team of radiologists and cardiologists are armed with the scientific expertise and clinical knowledge which will result in the best use of this new dual energy technology for excellent cardiovascular diagnosis and care,” said Penn Chair of Radiology Nick Bryan, MD, PhD.

Noninvasive imaging uses state-of-the-art technology and provides a rapid, accurate and pain free method to accurately diagnose conditions without the risks associated with more invasive procedures such as cardiac catheterization or catheter angiography. These techniques include cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and angiography (MRA) as well as cardiac computed tomography (CT) and angiography (CTA).

Better Technology, Better Diagnosis
For patients experiencing chest pain, new computed tomography (CT) imaging technology is helping doctors provide a faster and more accurate diagnosis of the source of their discomfort. Penn physicians are using this dual energy source multi-slice CT to produce three-dimensional, detailed images of the heart.

This ground-breaking system uses two X-ray energy sources to produce images of the heart. The X-ray sources can be set at different energy levels to produce two different images from a single scan. Because the body's tissues and fluids appear differently when the energy is increased or decreased, radiologists are able to compare these two images to better analyze and differentiate visual details. This results in a more exact diagnosis.

“We can use these images to figure out the cause when patients are complaining of chest pain. Specifically, we may be able to characterize different types of atherosclerotic plaque, including whether a patient has any of the type more likely to rupture and cause a heart attack,” said Harold Litt, MD, PhD, chief of cardiovascular imaging in radiology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, in explaining the practical application of dual energy source technology.

“This new technology provides us with faster, sharper images of the heart, helping doctors better diagnose potential blockages, which could lead to heart attacks. Specifically, it allows us to take a picture of the heart twice as fast as the old 64-slice CT technology – at 83 milliseconds versus the old 165 milliseconds – with twice the imaging power. Since the heart is constantly beating and moving, the ability to ‘freeze' that motion is essential to capture high quality images of the coronary arteries,” said Dr. Litt.

Another breakthrough benefit of the technology is the removal of the heart rate factor. For the first time ever, it is possible to examine all patients, regardless of their heart rate. The faster “shutter speed” of the multi-slice CT eliminates the need to slow rapid heart rates with medication before imaging the heart. This saves valuable time for critical care patients.

Other advantages of the technology include the larger size of the scanner for increased patient comfort, quicker scan times and up to 50 percent less radiation than the old 64-slice CT imaging equipment.

Cardiac and Vascular Examinations
We also offer clinical cardiac examinations for noninvasive assessment of the heart and coronary arteries including coronary angiography and evaluation of myocardial perfusion, viability, contractility and heart valve function. We regularly perform cardiac exams to assess for anomalous pulmonary venous drainage, right ventricular dysplasia, constrictive pericarditis and aberrant or anomalous coronary arteries. We also assess pulmonary venous anatomy in patient's undergoing RF ablation.

Furthermore, we offer clinical vascular examinations for noninvasive evaluation of individuals with a wide range of vascular disorders. We regularly perform examinations to assess the thoracic and abdominal aorta in persons with aneurysms or dissection. Many of these patients have connective tissue disorders such as Marfan and Ehlers-Danlos syndromes. We also have extensive experience evaluating individuals with claudication and peripheral vascular disease as well as cases of secondary hypertension related to renal artery stenosis.

Dedicated to Research
In addition to clinical applications of MR and CT, we are dedicated to the advancement of these techniques through research. Our active research programs include basic and clinical research projects related to technological innovations, as well as expanding and validating clinical applications. We are active participants in ongoing clinical trials.

Facilities and Locations
Our clinical facilities include 1.5 Tesla MRI scanners and CT scanners including a dedicated cardiovascular MR imaging system (Siemens Sonata) and multidetector helical CT scanners (GE Lightspeed Qxi, Siemens Sensation 4, Siemens Sensation 16). We also interpret cardiovascular MR and multidetector CT studies performed at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center and Penn Imaging at Radnor.

Division Chief
Harold I. Litt, MD, PhD

Addresses
Cardiovascular Imaging Division
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
First Floor Silverstein Pavilion
3400 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104

Ground Floor Dulles Building
3400 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104

3 Donner
3400 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104

Penn Tower, Bridge Level
3400 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104

Penn Presbyterian Medical Center
4 Wright Saunders
39th and Market Streets
Philadelphia, PA 19104

	Need an appointment? Request one online 24 hours/day, 7 days/week or call 800-789-PENN (7366) to speak to a referral counselor.