Cardiac radiology in Europe: status and vision by the European Society of Cardiovascular Radiology (ESCR) and the European Society of Radiology (ESR)

Abstract

Cardiac computed tomography (CT) and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are routine radiological examinations for diagnosis and prognosis of cardiac disease. The expected growth in cardiac radiology in the coming years will exceed the current scanner capacity and trained workforce. The European Society of Cardiovascular Radiology (ESCR) focuses on supporting and strengthening the role of cardiac cross-sectional imaging in Europe from a multi-modality perspective. Together with the European Society of Radiology (ESR), the ESCR has taken the initiative to describe the current status of, a vision for, and the required activities in cardiac radiology to sustain, increase and optimize the quality and availability of cardiac imaging and experienced radiologists across Europe. KEY POINTS: • Providing adequate availability for performing and interpreting cardiac CT and MRI is essential, especially with expanding indications. • The radiologist has a central role in non-invasive cardiac imaging examinations which encompasses the entire process from selecting the best modality to answer the referring physician's clinical question to long-term image storage. • Optimal radiological education and training, knowledge of the imaging process, regular updating of diagnostic standards, and close collaboration with colleagues from other specialties are essential.