UF Health Pediatric Cardiac MRI/CT Center at the University of Florida

Affecting an average of 1 in 100 babies, congenital heart defects are the most common of all birth defects. The UF Health Congenital Heart Center is among the leading centers in the state, region and nation for diagnosing, treating and monitoring children and adults with pediatric heart disease.

In our congenital heart center, we predominantly use noninvasive measures – including pediatric cardiac MRI and cardiac CT scan – to diagnose a congenital heart defect. Noninvasive imaging ensures each patient is comfortable throughout the process.

Our interdisciplinary team at the Pediatric Cardiac MRI/CT Center at the University of Florida includes experts from our pediatric cardiology and radiology department working together. Our leading-edge diagnostic services are available to children not only in Florida, but throughout the country.

About us

Since 2002, the Pediatric Cardiac MRI/CT Center has provided diagnostic radiological services for children with congenital heart disease. Our team – including pediatric cardiologists, radiologists and cardiac technologists – has extensive experience and training in developing specialized, child-oriented diagnostic cardiac MRI/CT protocols.

Our pediatric cardiac care team is made up of cardiothoracic surgeons and our subspecialized teams, including our transplant and adult congenital specialists. All of them rely on the diagnostic evaluation and information our center provides about its patients.

Although the majority of our patients come from Florida, we welcome the opportunity to provide our assistance to pediatric cardiac teams throughout the country, as well as overseas. We can also assist with accommodations and referral-related questions for patients who are not in our immediate area.

Patient care

Our mission is to provide leading-edge care in diagnosing children and adults with congenital heart disease, and to research advancements in diagnostic methods.

We are qualified and able to treat children with complex cardiac abnormalities, and multisystem disorders. We have successfully treated premature and low birth weight babies as well as adults with pediatric heart disease, including:

• Acyanotic heart defects, including ventricular septal defect, atrial septal defect, patent ductus arteriosus, atrioventricular canal defects and coarctations
• Cyanotic heart defects, including tetralogy of Fallot, transposition of the great arteries, truncus arteriosus and tricuspid atresia
• Cardiomyopathies and heart transplant patients
• Postoperative patients, including patients who have had single-ventricle palliation such as the Glenn and Font

Research

The focus of our research involves demonstrating the utility of a cardiac CT scan and MRI scan in diagnosing and managing a congenital heart defect, emphasizing the CT’s and MRI’s coverage of the smallest patients in the safest method. Our research includes publishing data on radiation exposure rates as well as case studies about unique cases.

Covered by a Common Siemens Research Contract with University of Florida-Jacksonville, we have the ability to develop projects in conjunction with UF departments of radiology and physics.

Links and resources

• American College of Cardiology
• International Association for Adult Congenital Heart Disease
• UF Health Congenital Heart Center
• University of Florida Department of Radiology