Latest techniques for diagnosing, treating heart failure to be presented at EuroEcho-Imaging 2013

The latest science on the role of imaging in diagnosing and treating heart failure will be presented at EuroEcho-Imaging 2013, the official annual meeting of the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI), a registered branch of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). It takes place during 11-14 December in Istanbul, Turkey, at the Istanbul Lutfi Kirdar Convention & Exhibition Centre (ICEC).

EuroEcho-Imaging is the world's largest forum for clinicians and scientists to present the most up-to-date research and clinical findings on echocardiography and other cardiovascular imaging techniques. A record 1 390 scientific abstracts have been submitted and delegate numbers are 30% greater than the previous record, with more than 90 countries represented. Over the 4 days of scientific sessions, journalists can expect a wealth of news stories. The scientific programme is available here [insert link]

Professor Gilbert Habib, Chairperson of the Scientific Programme Committee and President-Elect of the EACVI, said: "Attendance is set to be the highest ever, which reflects the increasing interest of cardiologists, scientists and other medical professionals in echocardiography and other imaging modalities. Cardiovascular imaging is central to the diagnosis and treatment of patients and journalists will hear the latest innovations presented during the congress."
 
Heart failure is one of the main themes this year. Professor Patrizio Lancellotti, EACVI President, said: "Heart failure a major topic in cardiology and is becoming more common as the population grows older. Cardiovascular imaging plays a central role in the diagnosis of these patients and in deciding when to refer them for interventions. During the meeting experts will present the latest evidence on the appropriate use of imaging and the value of different imaging modalities depending on the cause of the heart failure."

Imaging in interventional cardiology is the second theme. Journalists will hear new data on the use of imaging to choose patients for valve interventions, to detect the positioning of the prosthesis and any complications during the procedure, and to monitor outcomes.

New research of interest to the press will be presented on predicting acute mountain sickness, the effect of bariatric surgery on cardiovascular risk factors, HIV as a cause of structural heart disease and pre-participation cardiovascular screening in sports. Debates will be held on controversies in aortic stenosis and in imaging ischaemic heart disease, providing journalists with both sides of the story.

Other exciting topics include the use of cutting edge myocardial deformation analysis to identify the effect of chemotherapy and radiotherapy on the heart, and new applications of stress echocardiography beyond ischaemic heart disease. Professor Lancellotti said: "Stress echocardiography is significantly changing the way we evaluate patients with structural valve disease and functional valve disease."

Another session will be dedicated to the hot new topic of evaluating normal and pathological flows with imaging. Professor Lancellotti said: "This is a new research area that shows real promise for diagnosis, predicting outcomes and monitoring patients."

Other novelties this year include live video transmission of a complex mitral valve repair from Italy illustrating the role of echocardiography during surgery, joint sessions with other imaging communities from around the world, and a new mobile application of the scientific programme which will help journalists search for sessions and create their own schedule.

EuroEcho-Imaging is the top cardiovascular imaging event of the year for journalists, cardiologists, surgeons, scientists, nurses, general practitioners and other professionals in the field. With abstract submissions more than 20% up on the highest levels ever and 150 scientific sessions to attend, EuroEcho-Imaging promises to generate the hottest news in the field and should not be missed.

Professor Lancellotti concluded: "EuroEcho-Imaging has evolved from a technical conference into a patient-centric meeting in which we define the role of imaging in treatment and follow up. Journalists can anticipate a meeting packed with the most recent research and clinical findings in cardiovascular imaging that will affect the outcomes of patients."