Cardiothoracic Imaging

The Division of Cardiothoracic Imaging at UCSF Radiology is dedicated to safely performing the most current clinical imaging exams of both the respiratory and cardiovascular systems using advanced imaging modalities, such as detailed CTA and CT exams.

Cardiothoracic Imaging Clinical Division

Expert consultation with pulmonary team regarding an inpatient CT scan

How Vivid Images are Reducing Lung Cancer Deaths

How well do CT scanners see into the heart?

When is a Coronary CTA Scan Appropriate?

Charles Higgins, MD, expert on noninvasive cardiac imaging

Charles Higgins, MD, is widely considered to be the foremost international expert on noninvasive cardiac imaging for both children and adults

Why choose Cardiothoracic Imaging at UCSF

Accurate image interpretation by internationally renowned experts in cardiothoracic imaging
Optimized CT imaging protocols with as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA) radiation while maintaining excellent image quality
Optimized MR imaging protocols that achieve excellent image quality while reducing scan duration
High-volume CT-guided chest procedure team (>3000 cases in the past decade)
Clinical integration of cutting edge research work in partnership with clinical teams and industry

Who we serve

Patients suffering from complications caused by cancers/tumors
Patients who are at risk for lung cancer
People diagnosed with cancer
Adult and pediatric cardiac patients

Conditions we frequently address

Cardiac

Coronary artery disease
Ischemic Cardiomyopathy
Non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (including but not limited to myocarditis, amyloidosis, sarcoidosis, arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and dilated cardiomyopathy)
Valvular diseases and transcatheter cardiac valve replacement preparations
Complex Congenital heart disease
Complex post-surgical follow up cases in the heart, aorta, and great vessels
Cardiac transplant follow up

Pulmonary

Lung cancer (primary lung cancers and pulmonary metastasis)
Pulmonary embolism
Interstitial lung diseases (Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, Sarcoidosis, Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis, Cystic Lung Disease)
Lung transplantation (pre-transplant and post-surgery follow up)
Infectious diseases of the thorax (including immuno-compromised cases)
Smoking related lung diseases
Airways diseases
Mediastinal diseases
Complex post-surgical follow up cases in the lungs, esophagus, and mediastinum
MRI evaluation of the lungs (investigational UTE sequences)
Vascular disease of the aorta and pulmonary vessels

Cardiothoracic Imaging Services

Chest X-rays
Rib X-rays
Routine chest CT
Lung cancer screening CT
High resolution CT (HRCT) of the lungs
CT angiography (CTA) of the pulmonary arteries and aorta
Coronary Calcium Score CT
Coronary CTA
Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR) - Coronary CT
Transcatheter Valve Replacement CTs (including aortic, mitral, pulmonary (Harmony), and tricuspid valves)
Congenital Heart CT
Ventricular Scar Mapping CT
Left Atrial Mapping CT (in prep for cardiac ablation)
Cardiovascular MRI
Thoracic Vascular MRA
Left Atrial Mapping MRA (in prep for cardiac ablation)
Ventricular Scar Mapping MRI
Congenital Heart MRI
Thoracic MR angiography
UTE Lung MRI (investigational)
PET-CT (chest focus)
SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging (by nuclear medicine)
Cardiac PET (by nuclear medicine)
Cardiac Stress Testing PET (by nuclear medicine)
Virtual Bronchoscopy
Percutaneous CT guided chest biopsies
Percutaneous CT guided gold fiducial marker placement (in prep for radiation therapy)
Percutaneous CT guided indocyanine green localizer injection (in prep for surgery)
Percutaneous CT guided medication injection (for investigational therapy)

Who we partner with

Patients and their families
Researchers from our own and other institutions
Donors and other visionaries committed to improving the lives of others
Referring colleagues in the fields of Cardiology, Thoracic Surgery, Pulmonary Medicine, Oncology, Infectious Disease and Primary Care/Internal Medicine.