Pediatric Cardiac Imaging
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Why choose UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals for pediatric cardiac imaging?
UCSF has been on the forefront of medical imaging for more than a century, developing many cardiac imaging advancements and applications. We offer safe, advanced imaging procedures to get clear images of your child's heart so we can plan the next steps in their care.
Advanced echocardiography, cardiac MRI, CT and 3D technologies enable us to see your child's heart in detail. Our team offers a rare breadth of pediatric cardiac imaging expertise within a single coordinated service.
Your child's comfort and safety are a top priority. We aim to minimize unnecessary testing and radiation exposure. Child-friendly spaces and child life specialists help your child understand what to expect and feel more relaxed. If your child needs sedation, pediatric anesthesiologists help keep them safe and comfortable.
Our pediatric heart experts and imaging specialists work together to develop next-generation imaging techniques and tools. This work enables our patients to benefit from the latest innovations.
Why choose UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals for pediatric cardiac imaging?
UCSF has been on the forefront of medical imaging for more than a century, developing many cardiac imaging advancements and applications. We offer safe, advanced imaging procedures to get clear images of your child's heart so we can plan the next steps in their care.
Advanced echocardiography, cardiac MRI, CT and 3D technologies enable us to see your child's heart in detail. Our team offers a rare breadth of pediatric cardiac imaging expertise within a single coordinated service.
Your child's comfort and safety are a top priority. We aim to minimize unnecessary testing and radiation exposure. Child-friendly spaces and child life specialists help your child understand what to expect and feel more relaxed. If your child needs sedation, pediatric anesthesiologists help keep them safe and comfortable.
Our pediatric heart experts and imaging specialists work together to develop next-generation imaging techniques and tools. This work enables our patients to benefit from the latest innovations.
Early leaders in advanced echo
UCSF was one of the first in the nation to use innovative echocardiography technology for children, including 3D, strain and exercise echocardiography.High-volume complex imaging
We've participated in many imaging research studies, building deep expertise in the smallest hearts and unusual congenital anatomy.A specialist at every cardiac MRI
A cardiac imaging specialist directs each MRI, working with your child's cardiologist to understand the findings and use them to plan care.Advanced 3D modeling and procedure planning
We use patient-specific technologies to plan complex cardiac procedures, including 3D printing and visualization using augmented, mixed and virtual reality.
Cardiac imaging services
Our specialists understand tiny, developing hearts and the unusual anatomy of congenital heart conditions. In close collaboration with cardiologists, surgeons, interventionalists and radiologists, we help guide important decisions for your child's health.
What to expect after cardiac imaging referral
After your child's provider orders cardiac imaging, our coordinator contacts you to arrange your appointment. When possible, we coordinate anesthesia, testing and cardiology appointments for the same day to reduce the need for separate trips.
Imaging tests we provide
Cardiac imaging tests give your child's team detailed views of the heart. We also use these tests to assess heart health during cancer treatment and genetic or transplant evaluations. Depending on what the cardiology team needs to learn, imaging may include cardiac CT, echocardiography and cardiac MRI.
Families seeking heart imaging for their baby during pregnancy should contact the Fetal Cardiovascular Program, where doctors evaluate heart function in unborn babies from as early as 12 weeks to full term.
Cardiac CT
Cardiac CT quickly creates high-resolution images of small structures, including the coronary arteries. Sometimes we inject a special dye called contrast so that certain areas of the heart show up better on the scan.
Echocardiography
Echocardiography (echo) uses sound waves to show heart structures, pumping function and blood flow. Echocardiograms are available through all UCSF pediatric cardiology locations.
Cardiac MRI
Cardiac MRI creates detailed images without radiation and shows anatomy, function, blood flow and heart muscle health.
Before cardiac MRI, we review your child's history and plan details such as IV placement, medicines and anesthesia, if needed. Afterward, your child's referring provider receives the imaging report and reviews the results with your family.
Helping your child prepare for cardiac MRI
Cardiac MRI can last an hour or longer. Child life specialists explain the process and help your child prepare for the scanner. Pediatric nurses coordinate IV placement and any needed medicines, and pediatric anesthesiologists closely monitor your child when anesthesia is necessary. In some cases, you may stay with your child during the scan.
We take steps to help your child feel more comfortable during an MRI with:
Calming, adjustable lighting
Movies or music
Relaxation techniques
Providers
Doaa Aly, MBBCH
Pediatric Cardiology
Shafkat Anwar, MD
Pediatric Cardiology
Kishor Avasarala, MD
Pediatric Cardiology • Cardiology (Electrophysiology)
Michael Brook, MD
Pediatric Cardiology
Awards & achievements
Best in Northern California for cardiology & heart surgery
Ranked among the nation's best in 11 specialties
Related conditions & treatments
Conditions
- Congenital Heart Disease
- Fetal Congenital Heart Disease
Treatments
- Cardiac MRI
- Echocardiography
- Fetal Echocardiograms
- Noninvasive Cardiac Imaging
- Stress Echo Cardiogram
Special programs
Support services
Child Life
Certified child life specialists ease the stress and anxiety of childhood illness through therapeutic play, schooling and family-focused support.
Family Amenities
Family-friendly amenities help you relax and take care of yourself while staying close to your child. We offer lounges, kitchens, showers, breastfeeding rooms and more.
Social Services at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Social workers ease the effect of illness, injury and hospitalization on your family with counseling and assistance to help you navigate the challenges.
Activity Rooms
Activity rooms offer a relaxed environment for children of all ages. Features include a playroom, digital arts studio and teen lounge. Find out more.
Pediatric Art Therapy Program
Art therapy helps kids and families express themselves, making it easier to cope with pediatric health issues. Group and bedside services are available.
Pediatric Music Therapy Program
Board-certified music therapists help kids cope with illness and the feelings that come with it. Find out about group activities and bedside therapy.
School Program for Hospitalized Children
Our schoolroom services and individual learning programs help children hospitalized at UCSF continue their education and get ready to return to school.
School Re-Entry Program
We help kids return to school after hospitalization by educating staff and students about their needs and recommending needed accommodations. Read more.
Individual Playtime & Instruction
If your child can't be around other kids for medical reasons, you can sign up for private sessions in our activity and school rooms. Find out how.
Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.
Parent Support Program
Weekly activities, including knitting, scrapbooking, chair massage and more, help family caregivers get a much-needed break. Find out more.
Patient Relations at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Patient relations reps and nursing supervisors are here to answer questions and address concerns. Learn about your rights, how to reach us and more.
Spiritual Care at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Chaplains help UCSF patients, families and staff cope with the spiritual and emotional challenges of childhood illness. Learn more.
International Services at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
If you're coming to UCSF from outside the U.S., we coordinate your child's appointments and provide other helpful services. Here's how to get started.