Cardiac Imaging

When it comes to the heart, imaging technology provides some of the most useful information to diagnose and treat  congenital heart disease (CHD). Pediatric cardiac imaging provides us with detailed images of even the smallest hearts. We can even see a baby’s heart while inside the womb so we can be ready to treat a heart condition as soon as your child is born. Understanding the complexities of each heart leads to better outcomes.

Why choose Children’s Hospital Colorado for cardiac imaging?

We see thousands of children every year for complex congenital heart conditions and provide the best care possible to every child. Thanks to our technology, pediatric expertise and experience, Children’s Colorado is one of the most advanced pediatric cardiac imaging centers in the nation. Our heart imaging experts work tirelessly to improve our cardiac imaging capabilities so we can provide the most accurate diagnoses and perform the most precise surgeries.

We have developed our imaging processes with children in mind, which helps us create the best outcomes for kids. When performing imaging tests, we use the smallest amount of sedation we can. We’ve also streamlined our processes so both our patients and doctors are exposed to as little radiation as possible — something not every hospital can say.  

With the help from our child life specialists, children feel safe and comfortable while going through the imaging procedures. And with distraction tools like virtual reality headsets, many children and teens even enjoy the experience.   

We use fetal cardiac MRI to diagnose congenital heart disease before a baby is born, an echocardiograph to monitor an adult who was born with CHD 30 years ago, and much more in between. For every patient, our technology and experience in cardiac imaging helps us get amazing results. 

Pediatric cardiac imaging tests

We have a range of cardiac imaging tools we use in our Heart Institute, including:

• Pediatric echocardiogram (echo): An echocardiogram, often called an “echo,” is a noninvasive test that uses sound waves to create images of the heart. This helps doctors learn about the heart’s structure and blood flow. It can show critical heart or valve issues in children of all ages.
• Cardiac CT (computed tomography): This scan uses an X-ray machine to take a picture of each part of their heart. A computer then combines the pictures to make a 3D image of the whole heart. 
• Cardiac MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): This imaging test shows us the heart using magnetic waves. With a cardiac MRI, we can see detailed images of the chambers of the heart and large blood vessels while it’s beating.
• 3D echocardiogram: 3D echos allow doctors to analyze heart function by producing a virtual 3D computer model of a child's heart. This offers views of the heart’s anatomy we can’t see on a standard echocardiogram. 
• 4D flow MRI: This innovative MRI allows us to see your child’s heart and all its neighboring blood vessels in 3D while the heart beats in real-time. 
• Fetal echocardiogram: This safe ultrasound study shows the structure of an unborn baby's heart. It provides valuable information on the growth and development of the baby's heart and blood vessels while they are still in the womb. 
• Fetal cardiac MRI: This type of MRI allows us to see your baby’s heart while they are still inside the womb, providing a great amount of detail. 
• Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE): This special type of echo assesses the heart's function. It can be used during heart surgery or catheterization to help a surgeon see results of their operation in real-time.

When does my child need a pediatric echocardiogram, cardiac CT or cardiac MRI? 

We use different imaging tools at different stages. To understand the most basic information about your child’s heart, we’ll start with an echocardiogram. This test can detect irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias). 

Sometimes an initial test is all we need to determine that your child’s heart looks healthy. If your child’s doctor sees something out of the ordinary, we’ll use other tests to look at your child’s heart in more detail. If your child has an irregular heartbeat, for example, our experts may use a pediatric CT scan or MRI to find the cause.  

If your child needs surgery, we’ll use even more advanced tests like a 4D flow MRI, which shows us the heart working in real time. We also use detailed imaging tests like this to prepare for surgery so we can perform the procedure as precisely as possible. 

How are we improving cardiac imaging through research and innovation?

As an essential tool for diagnosing and treating heart conditions, our research in cardiac imaging is extremely important. We learn better ways to use imaging technology every year and bring those practices to the families we treat. We’re even inventing new ways of using virtual and extended reality to better examine extremely detailed heart images.

How do we use 3D heart models to provide better cardiac care? 

We can produce a life-sized 3D heart model of a child’s heart using the information from a cardiac MRI, CT scan or cardiac catheterization. 

When useful, we’ll produce a 3D heart model, which can help us: 

• Understand abnormalities in the heart and blood vessels 
• Provide counseling and education to families before surgery 
• Plan complex surgeries 
• Plan treatment when performing a cardiac catheterization