World's largest cardiovascular imaging conference showcases technological innovations

The world's largest cardiovascular imaging conference is held 2 to 5 Dec. 2015 in Seville, Spain at the Sevilla Palacio de Congresos (FIBES II). It is the annual meeting of the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI), a registered branch of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC).

Cardiovascular imaging is essential for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Innovations in echocardiography, cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), nuclear cardiology and cardiac computed tomography (CT) will be presented and discussed during the meeting. The scientific programme is available here: http://www.escardio.org/Congresses-&-Events/Upcoming-congresses/EuroEcho%E2%80%93Imaging/Scientific-sessions/Session-types-and-tracks.

"Technological innovations are an important part of EuroEcho-Imaging 2015," said Professor Bernard Cosyns, Chairperson of the Scientific Programme Committee. "Cutting edge research will be presented on 3D printing in valve disease, robotic echocardiography and fusion imaging. The state of the art in molecular imaging will be revealed using all the imaging modalities to detect subtle pathophysiological processes."

This year's themes are 'cardiomyopathies' and "early diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases". Emerging cardiac imaging technologies are now sensitive enough to detect early signals of cardiovascular risk. "The concept of a 'damage clock' is important in cancer patients," said Professor Cosyns. "Ejection fraction identifies cardiac disease caused by cancer treatment too late but strain imaging detects toxicity early enough to prevent complications. Similarly, CMR detects fibrosis in mitral valve prolapse, enabling a better stratification of sudden cardiac death occurrence before patients become symptomatic."

The theme of cardiomyopathy will encompass the intensely debated role of imaging in selecting patients for cardiac resynchronisation therapy, new ways to assess cardiac remodelling, ischaemic disease in women, and how to manage heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

Controversial issues will be debated in a 'Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde' session in which a leading expert will present both pro and contra arguments on the topics of paradoxical low flow aortic stenosis, and the use of functional testing versus coronary cardiac CT. "These are very contentious issues and media representatives can expect to hear the most recent evidence to support each side of the debate," said Professor Cosyns.

Other disputed subjects will be discussed, such as the use of dyssynchrony imaging to stratify sudden cardiac death risk in ischaemic and non-ischaemic cardiomyopathies. Stress echocardiography is used in valve diseases mostly in Europe but less in the US, and journalists will hear why. The use of echocardiography in cardiac emergencies is also debatable, with some claiming focused echo can be used and others advocating comprehensive echo. "There are different schools of thought and both camps will make their case," said Professor Cosyns. "These exchanges will be a rich source of material on hot topics of interest to the press."

Around 3 500 attendees from more than 90 countries are expected to attend, including cardiologists, cardiac ultrasonographers, anaesthesiologists, nuclear physicians, paediatric cardiologists, surgeons, scientific engineers, nurses, general practitioners and medical technicians.

During four days of congress there will be more than 155 scientific sessions, and presentation of 900 abstracts and 50 clinical cases.

Download the EuroEcho-Imaging 2015 mobile app to view the scientific programme, search for sessions, and create your personal programme to ensure that you don't miss crucial presentations. Search for "EuroEcho2015" in App Store/Google Play.

Professor Cosyns concluded: "We have an exciting programme lined up and members of the press will hear pioneering science from key opinion leaders from across the globe. EuroEcho-Imaging is the top event of the year in cardiovascular imaging so be sure to save the date in your calendar."

Provided by European Society of Cardiology