European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress 2008

Cardiology Medical Congress Location: Munich, Germany Date: 30 August - 03 September 2008

The ESC congress provides a unique forum where medical professionals from all around the world have the opportunity to meet and exchange ideas and information in the field of cardiovascular medicine. The scientific programme of the ESC Congress aims at a perfect balance between clinical education and the latest scientific developments. We will make every effort to highlight the most relevant issues in the diagnosis, management and treatment of cardiovascular disease, and to present the newest in basic, clinical and population research. During the annual meeting, research from investigators around the world will be presented in special lectures, dynamic and interactive educational sessions, as well as the traditional abstract-based programme, with oral presentations and posters, many of which will be moderated.

For 2008, the theme of the ESC Congress will be cardiovascular imaging. Over recent years, cardiovascular imaging has become a key component in clinical cardiology. We have witnessed an ultra-fast technical revolution in the field of imaging, with current modalities providing three- and four-dimensional visualisation of the cardiovascular system. For the three existing modalities (echocardiography, nuclear imaging and cardiovascular magnetic resonance) automated, quantitative software packages have been introduced, making objective and reproducible data analysis reality. The newest technique, cardiac computed tomography, now allows for non-invasive angiography. All together these modalities can provide comprehensive information about the heart and the coronary arteries, from anatomy to function and perfusion.

At the same time, cardiovascular imaging is nowadays fully integrated in the entire patient work-up from diagnosis to prognosis and forms a corner stone in the therapeutic decision making process. For these reasons, cardiovascular imaging has been chosen as the theme for the ESC Congress 2008. A comprehensive update, together with the most recent developments will be provided, with a focus not only on technical innovations in imaging, but also on implementation in clinical cardiology. Part of these sessions will be presented in the FOCUS sessions with LIVE transmission from various locations in Europe.
Imaging related sessions are indicated by the symbol in the programme.