From diagnosing heart failure in the elderly to detecting congenital problems in infants, sophisticated imaging is changing the way clinicians study and treat cardiovascular disease. The European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) will hold its flagship event, EACVI 2025, in Vienna from December 11 to 13, bringing together renowned specialists in the field. 

"A single imaging tool, such as echocardiography, will often be the first approach to assess a patient, but increasingly, multi-modality imaging is being used—combining techniques such as cardiovascular magnetic resonance, computed tomography, and nuclear cardiology to provide a broader picture," explained Dr. Victoria Delgado, EACVI President and Scientific Program Chair at the University Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol in Badalona, Spain. 

Echocardiography employs sound waves to produce moving images of the heart, allowing doctors to observe how it beats. Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (CMR) uses magnetic fields to create high-resolution images of heart muscles and blood flow. Computed Tomography (CT) produces rapid, cross-sectional images that are frequently used to detect blocked arteries, whereas nuclear cardiology measures small amounts of radioactive material to monitor blood flow and heart function. 

One of the congress's highlights is a session titled Challenging Valvular Heart Diseases: A Task for the Fantastic Four! The following case studies will demonstrate how combining these four imaging modalities can improve treatment for individuals with complex heart valve diseases. The doctor added, "By sharing research and experience across modalities and disease types, we can take advanced knowledge back to our clinics to more precisely define cardiovascular disease on an individual basis and move towards greater patient-centred care." 

The new Imaging Training Hub provides hands-on experience in a safe environment with cutting-edge simulations. Early-career healthcare professionals specifically design nearly 30 workshops to equip them with practical skills and the latest research findings. Discussions will also focus on how artificial intelligence (AI) might accelerate picture interpretation and increase accuracy, allowing doctors to make faster, more informed judgements. 

EACVI 2025 is open to a wide range of professionals, from technicians and doctors to scientists and veterinarians, and it encourages cross-disciplinary knowledge-sharing. The event showcases the enhanced accuracy and customised approach of cardiovascular care by consolidating various imaging techniques under one platform.