Pediatric Cardiac Imaging

The highest level of cardiac care starts with the most accurate anatomic information. The Heart Center's Echocardiography Laboratory is the only laboratory in Illinois accredited by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission for Echocardiography in all three kinds of echocardiography – pediatric transesophageal, pediatric transthoracic, and fetal echocardiography. Our group is recognized as a pioneer in tele-echocardiography, having initiated the program more than 15 years ago in select neonatal centers. In addition to clinical innovation, our group conducts leading-edge cardiac imaging research. 

We perform more than 18,000 echocardiograms and more than 2,000 fetal echocardiograms each year to diagnose and evaluate acquired and complex congenital heart conditions. Sophisticated imaging techniques have improved detection of subtle cardiac and coronary anomalies in athletes and younger children, and aid our screening efforts to reduce the risk of sudden death. Our cardiologists perform real-time interpretation of studies at outside nurseries, facilitating rapid care and intervention without delay.

Our sonographers are leaders in their field and were among the first to review echocardiograms remotely from satellite locations. Sonographers are also involved in promoting educational opportunities for other sonographers and proudly host an annual continuing medical education series to train other sonographers. Both our physicians and sonographers are actively involved in professional organizations such as the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) and the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE), taking part in committees, presentations and general advocacy for ultrasound professionals.

We've also partnered with Northwestern Medicine through the Cardiovascular Bridge Program. Our partnership with Northwestern has allowed us to align our imaging protocols and ensure accurate and consistent lifelong care for our patients.

Types of Cardiac Imaging 

At Lurie Children's, we provide the following pediatric cardiac imaging techniques:

• Echocardiography
• Fetal echocardiography​ and consultation
• Transesophageal echocardiography
• Stress echocardiography
• Cardiac MRI and stress MRI
• Cardiac CT angiography​
• Advanced/Innovative techniques
• 3D echocardiography
• Strain imaging
• 4D flow

Our Cardiac Imaging Specialists 

A team of pediatric cardiologists specializing in cardiac imaging is led by Section Head Joshua Robinson, MD. We collaborate with Cynthia Rigsby, MD, Division Head of Body Imaging, and other radiologists from Lurie Children's Department of Medical Imaging to acquire state-of-the-art computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) scans to best evaluate congenital heart disorders.​

Meet Our Team