Diagnostic

Diagnostic technologies and expertise

The pediatric cardiologists at Riley Hospital employ a variety of tests to evaluate cardiovascular defects, complementing their expertise in the hands-on physical exam. Baseline tests include EKG and X-ray. If more specialized tests are needed, the technologies include ambulatory EKG, exercise testing, electrophysiologic testing, nuclear imaging and diagnostic heart catheterization.

One of the most useful diagnostic modalities available for the assessment of congenital heart defects is the echocardiogram, which uses high frequency sound waves to demonstrate complex cardiac anatomy and provide crucial data on cardiac physiology. It's an essential technology for highly detailed and accurate diagnosis, and one that has eliminated the need for cardiac catheterization for many defects.

Over 7,500 pediatric echocardiograms (echos), including over 1000 fetal echos are performed at Riley each year, and a staff of pediatric cardiologists with specialized training and experience interpret them. Their expertise is widely recognized among other hospitals in the Midwest, which rely on Riley cardiologists to review and interpret over 2500 echos performed at their institutions; a reflection of respect for the Riley cardiology staff's experience in this important technology.

The best news a family can receive is that their child has a strong, healthy heart. And every day at Riley, children who have been referred to the Riley Heart Center experts for evaluation of a suspected heart murmur or other potential problem learn just that. It's peace of mind that is priceless. Riley cardiac specialists are available to any referring physician and to any family who wishes to have their child evaluated.

In addition to the traditional echos, Riley cardiologists dealing with more complex cases often perform transesophageal echos (TEE) when additional views are necessary for a more precise diagnosis. A TEE is also utilized to guide interventional catheterization procedures and for immediate assessment of cardiac status after surgery in the operating room.

The Riley echo lab is an all-digital environment that is fully integrated with the Internet. Riley cardiologists can read a patient's echo from any computer with secured, high-speed web access. This means there is always a second or third opinion available 24 hours a day.

Echocardiograms can be performed throughout Riley Hospital and the Riley Heart Center, including outpatient clinics and in the operating room and catheterization lab for an intraoperative assessment to guide surgical and interventional procedures.

[Keywords: cardiovascular defects, EKG, x-ray, exercise testing, electrophysiologic testing, nuclear imaging, diagnostic heart catheterization, congenital heart defects, echocardiogram, cardiac catheterization, echocardiograms, transesophageal echos, TEE, heart]