Cardiothoracic imaging

An echocardiogram (echo) is a noninvasive test that uses sound waves to create real-time images of your heart’s function and structure. An echo may be the first test we do if you have shortness of breath, chest pain, or other symptoms.

We offer many types of echo, including three-dimensional (3D) and transesophageal echocardiograms (TEEs). During TEE, we insert an endoscope (flexible tube) down your esophagus for a better view of your heart and blood vessels.

An intravascular ultrasound examines the inside of your blood vessels. We use it to look for blocked or narrowed arteries and veins that could lead to heart attack, stroke, or other serious conditions.

Cardiac MRI is a noninvasive test that uses a powerful magnet and radio waves to produce images of your blood vessels and heart. We may recommend this test if you have abnormal results on an echocardiogram.

A cardiac MRI is useful for evaluating blood flow through your heart, heart muscle problems, and infections or inflammation of heart tissue. We also use it to plan and guide cardiac ablation procedures.

We use the latest generation of 1.5 and 3T MR scanners for superior image quality in less time. We’re also the only imaging provider in the region to offer MRI services for people with pacemakers or defibrillators.

Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) uses MRI technology with the added benefit of contrast dye to examine blood vessels and blood flow. It helps us evaluate narrowed or blocked veins and arteries. We may use this test to diagnose aortic aneurysms or dissections, atherosclerosis, carotid artery disease, and other vascular problems.

A heart CT scan uses X-rays to create three-dimensional (3D) images of your heart and blood vessels. We may use it to diagnose coronary artery disease, problems with heart valves, or congenital heart disease. A coronary calcium scan looks for calcium deposits in your coronary arteries, which can help us assess your risk for a heart attack.

We offer an advanced technology called dual-source CT that uses two beams of X-rays instead of one. It offers superior image quality and faster scans with less radiation than standard CT.

Radiologists at Penn Medicine were the first in the region to use coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). This test uses X-rays and contrast dye to look at narrowed arteries, tissue damage from a heart attack, and how well your heart pumps blood.

A heart biopsy, or endomyocardial biopsy, is a procedure to remove a piece of tissue from your heart. We examine the tissue to look for problems such as heart cancer or cardiomyopathies (heart muscle diseases).

A chest X-ray is a noninvasive imaging scan that uses radiation to produce pictures of your lungs, chest wall, ribcage, and heart. It’s a quick, painless exam that we may use to find the source of chest pain, persistent cough, or shortness of breath. A chest X-ray may be the first test you have if we suspect pneumonia, lung cancer, emphysema, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Imaging experts at Penn Medicine perform a high volume of digital chest X-rays each year. This high volume demonstrates the experience of our technologists and radiologists.

A chest CT scan uses a low dose of radiation to diagnose lung diseases, blood clots, and cancer. We use lung CT scans as the primary screening tool for lung cancer. The exam helps us find lung nodules and other signs of cancer before symptoms develop, when treatment is most effective.

We perform a high volume of chest CT scans each year, providing valuable experience that sets us apart. We also offer lung cancer screening services at locations throughout the Greater Philadelphia, Princeton, and Lancaster areas.

We use ultrasound, X-ray, or CT guidance to perform transthoracic needle biopsies. During this procedure, we insert a needle through your chest wall to take a sample of cells from a nodule in your lungs and examine it for lung cancer.