Developments in Imaging Technologies Related to Hypertensive Cardiovascular Diseases

Maria      Filomena Santarelli; Linda      Landini; Vincenzo      Positano; Simona      Buralli; Luigi      Landini

Abstract

This article reviews the current imaging techniques and the methodologies used to derive quantitative markers of hypertension in the cardiovascular system. Firstly, simple but effective methods to assess regional and global function of large arteries are discussed. After, the role of echocardiography and high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging to assess geometric and mechanical indices of hypertension related cardiac diseases are summarized. In particular, quantitative indices of deformation and strain are derived from quantitative analysis of doppler tissue and tagged magnetic resonance images. Finally, the importance of high field magnetic resonance imaging to assess myocardial microcirculation is described.

Keywords: Imaging techniques, magnetic resonance imaging, MRI tagging, doppler tissue imaging, speckle tracking echocardiography, positron emission tomography, strain imaging, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, arterial stiffness