Precision Diagnosis for Complex Heart Disease
Advanced Cardiac Imaging in Brisbane
Advanced cardiac imaging employs sophisticated ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance techniques to obtain detailed anatomical and functional information about the heart. These modalities allow clinicians to detect subtle abnormalities, quantify disease severity, and guide therapeutic decisions with a level of precision that would not be possible through clinical assessment alone.
Dr. Jonathan Sen is a specialist cardiologist and cardio-oncologist who offers a comprehensive range of advanced cardiac imaging tests in Brisbane to support accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning. His approach is grounded in the principle of judicious use: selecting the right test for the right patient at the right time, avoiding unnecessary investigations while ensuring that critical diagnostic information is never missed.
Training and Experience
Dr. Sen completed numerous cardiac imaging studies during his advanced cardiac training, post-doctoral fellowship, and consultant service. His imaging expertise spans all major modalities, from comprehensive echocardiography to advanced structural and functional assessment using cardiac MRI and CT.
Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Sen is a Clinical Affiliate at the imaging research laboratory at the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, one of Australia’s leading cardiovascular research institutions. In this role, he contributes to and stays connected with the latest advances in imaging science, ensuring that his clinical practice is continually informed by emerging evidence and technological innovation.
Dr. Sen’s research in cardiac imaging is extensive. He has explored the applications of artificial intelligence in echocardiography, examining how machine learning and automated tools can enhance the accuracy and efficiency of cardiac imaging while recognising their limitations. This review was published in Heart and Metabolism (2020), reflecting his commitment to understanding both the potential and the boundaries of new imaging technologies.
He has also led international research on improving the reliability of echocardiographic strain measurement, a key technique in cardio-oncology for detecting early cardiac dysfunction during cancer therapy. Dr. Sen and colleagues evaluated a structured educational program designed to train healthcare professionals worldwide in accurately measuring global longitudinal strain (GLS). Published as an abstract in the Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography (2025;38(9):P874), this study of sonographers, fellows and cardiologists demonstrated that the educational intervention significantly reduced strain measurement errors and improved the classification of cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction. This work underscores Dr. Sen’s dedication not only to performing advanced cardiac imaging himself but to raising standards across the broader cardiovascular community.
Cardiac Imaging Approaches
Dr. Sen is proficient in utilising a range of advanced imaging modalities for appropriate clinical indications, including
Comprehensive transthoracic echocardiography with Doppler and speckle tracking (strain) analysis – Echocardiography remains the cornerstone of cardiac imaging, providing real-time, non-invasive assessment of heart structure and function. Speckle tracking strain analysis adds a layer of sensitivity, enabling detection of subtle changes in myocardial function before they become apparent on conventional measures. This is particularly valuable in cardio-oncology, where early identification of cardiac dysfunction during cancer therapy can prompt timely interventions that protect the heart without interrupting treatment.
Exercise or pharmacologic stress echocardiography – Stress echocardiography evaluates how the heart responds to exertion or pharmacological stimulation, uncovering ischaemia or functional limitations that may not be evident at rest. It is a valuable tool for risk stratification in patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease and can also assist in evaluating symptomatic patients with valvular heart disease.
3D echocardiography – Three-dimensional echocardiography provides volumetric assessment of cardiac chambers and valves, offering more accurate quantification of ejection fraction, valve area, and regurgitant volumes than traditional two-dimensional techniques. This enhanced precision is particularly useful in planning valve interventions and monitoring structural changes over time.
Cardiac computed tomography – Cardiac CT encompasses coronary calcium scoring and CT coronary angiography, providing high-resolution visualisation of the coronary arteries. Calcium scoring offers a non-invasive assessment of atherosclerotic burden for cardiovascular risk stratification, while CT coronary angiography can identify significant coronary stenosis without the need for invasive catheterisation. In the context of cardio-oncology, cardiac CT may also be used to evaluate structural changes in cancer patients.
Cardiac MRI – Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging offers unparalleled tissue characterisation, capable of detecting inflammation, fibrosis, oedema, and infiltrative disease within the heart muscle. Advanced techniques such as T1 and T2 mapping provide quantitative tissue assessment that is particularly valuable in diagnosing complex cardiomyopathies, monitoring cardiac toxicity from cancer therapies, and evaluating inflammatory conditions such as myocarditis.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) where available – PET imaging can be used to assess myocardial viability, detect active inflammation, and evaluate certain cardiac masses, complementing the structural information obtained from other modalities with metabolic and functional insights.
What to Expect During Your Appointment
Patients referred under Dr. Sen’s care can expect a streamlined, well-coordinated experience. Most imaging studies are non-invasive and painless, performed in a comfortable outpatient setting. The duration of each study varies depending on the modality, ranging from approximately 30 minutes for a standard echocardiogram to 60 to 90 minutes for a comprehensive cardiac MRI. Dr. Sen personally reviews and interprets all imaging studies, ensuring that findings are integrated with your broader clinical history and that results are communicated clearly and promptly to both you and your referring doctor. Where imaging reveals findings that require further management, Dr. Sen will discuss the implications and next steps with you in detail, ensuring you feel informed and supported throughout.
A Research-Informed Approach to Every Scan
What distinguishes Dr. Sen’s imaging practice is the integration of clinical expertise with active research engagement. As a Clinical Affiliate at the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute’s imaging research laboratory, he remains at the forefront of developments in imaging methodology, artificial intelligence applications, and quality assurance. His published work on AI in echocardiography demonstrates a nuanced understanding of how automated tools can support, but not replace, skilled human interpretation.
Similarly, his leadership in developing educational programs for strain measurement reflects a belief that imaging quality depends not only on advanced equipment but on the expertise of the clinician performing and interpreting each study. Patients referred for imaging under Dr. Sen’s care benefit from this dual commitment: access to state-of-the-art technology combined with the analytical rigour of an active researcher.
Whether you require a routine echocardiogram, advanced strain analysis during cancer treatment, cardiac CT for coronary assessment, or detailed MRI evaluation of cardiac structure and tissue, Dr. Sen provides comprehensive, evidence-based imaging services tailored to your clinical needs. To arrange a referral or learn more about the imaging services available, contact the clinic today.