For over 50 years, coronary angiography has been the mainstay of diagnosing and quantifying the extent of coronary artery disease. However appreciation of the inherent limitations of conventional angiography has led to a plethora of new imaging modalities, each with their relative strengths and potential pitfalls. Advances in these techniques have given clinicians, as well as researchers, an overwhelming amount of information and the need for thoughtful interpretation. This outstanding book provides a comprehensive overview of the current status of imaging of coronary atherosclerosis. Covering the wide variety of available imaging modalities, the book provides state-of-the-art knowledge from leading authorities in each area. In their discussion, the authors include both invasive and non-invasive modalities, including the gold standard coronary angiography, the growing field of IVUS, and novel techniques such as functional imaging, molecular imaging, and the integration of biomarkers. The key concepts and practical information given in this volume will provide the reader with the necessary understanding to choosing appropriate imaging studies and building confidence in their skill set with each.

Atherosclerotic Plaque Characterization Methods Based on Coronary Imaging provides a complete review of computer methods for atherosclerotic plaque reconstruction and characterization. The authors, with their expertise from biomedical engineering, computer science, and cardiology, offer a holistic view. The focus of the book is on the presentation of major imaging techniques, including their limitations. It includes details on the mechanical characterization and properties of plaques and appropriate constitutive models to describe the mechanical behavior of plaques. The authors explore the challenges of using multiple coronary imaging technologies, and provide the pros and cons of invasive vs. non-invasive techniques. Methods for plaque characterization and 3D reconstruction of coronary arteries using IVUS, OCT, and CT images are described. This book will help readers study new trends in image processing analysis and plaque characterization, implement automated plaque characterization methodologies, understand coronary imaging drawbacks, and comprehend 3 dimensional coronary artery and plaque reconstruction methods. - Describes the multimodality imaging techniques that are commonly used in the diagnosis of arterial diseases, including intravascular ultrasound, optical coherence tomography, angiography, computed tomography angiography, and magnetic resonance angiography - Discusses in-depth the computational methods which can be used for the detection of different plaque types - Explores plaque in 3D reconstruction methods and plaque modeling approaches

In recent years, there has been increasing interest in the clinical applications of coronary angiography techniques. Coronary MRA can be instrumental in the evaluation of congenital coronary artery anomalies, however, the complexity of advanced MR pulse sequences and strategies may be overwhelming to many. Coronary MR Angiography demystifies the art of coronary MRA by providing a text in plain language with clearly illustrated imaging steps and protocols. Designed to bridge the gap between radiology and cardiology, it is written for physicians and scientists planning to incorporate this technique into their research or practice.

Atherosclerosis: Clinical Perspectives Through Imaging is aimed at practicing clinicians and relies on didactic tabular and bullet points and a host of fine imagery describing the common features of the imaging of atherosclerosis, enabling the reader to understand more about the advantages and limitations of each modality in investigating athersclosis. Edited by and contributed to by a host of international experts in cardiac imaging, this book is a must read by all who image the heart.

This open access book focuses on diagnostic and interventional imaging of the chest, breast, heart, and vessels. It consists of a remarkable collection of contributions authored by internationally respected experts, featuring the most recent diagnostic developments and technological advances with a highly didactical approach. The chapters are disease-oriented and cover all the relevant imaging modalities, including standard radiography, CT, nuclear medicine with PET, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging, as well as imaging-guided interventions. As such, it presents a comprehensive review of current knowledge on imaging of the heart and chest, as well as thoracic interventions and a selection of "hot topics". The book is intended for radiologists, however, it is also of interest to clinicians in oncology, cardiology, and pulmonology.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a screening tool called the Listing of Impairments to identify claimants who are so severely impaired that they cannot work at all and thus immediately qualify for benefits. In this report, the IOM makes several recommendations for improving SSA's capacity to determine disability benefits more quickly and efficiently using the Listings.