New Journal Is All About Cardiac Imaging Cases

In response to demand from its members, the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) is launching a new journal dedicated to cardiovascular imaging case reports, and it has tapped Cleveland Clinic cardiologist L. Leonardo Rodriguez, MD, as one of its two inaugural co-editors-in-chief.

L. Leonardo Rodriguez, MD

The first issue of CASE: Cardiovascular Imaging Case Reports, is planned for early 2017, the ASE announced earlier this month. It will be an online, open-access, peer-reviewed journal published by Elsevier; submissions are now being accepted.

A focus on practicality

ASE says the journal will aim to provide timely, practical information on the daily challenges cardiovascular clinicians face to deliver efficient and effective diagnostic care. A key aim will be to share real-world experiences among sonographers, cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons and anesthesiologists to guide the field. Particular emphases will include clinical problem-solving and “making teaching points and scientific observations about echocardiography in the clinical setting,” notes an ASE announcement.

“There is an increasing need for a forum to present teaching cases where imaging has played a fundamental diagnostic role,” says co-editor Dr. Rodriguez, a specialist in Cleveland Clinic’s Section of Cardiovascular Imaging. “CASE will be able to address this need by taking advantage of new tools for the display of multimodality imaging techniques.”

Distinctly global editorial guidance

Dr. Rodriguez says his exposure to countless complex cases throughout his 20-year career at Cleveland Clinic has prepared him well for the role of directing the journal. He will share that role with fellow co-editor Karen G. Zimmerman, BS, ACS, RDCS, RVT, of the Webber Heart Center, Munson Healthcare, Traverse City, Michigan. They will lead an extensive and highly international editorial board, with members from over 20 nations across six continents and diverse subspecialty areas.

Current ASE President and Cleveland Clinic cardiologist Allan Klein, MD, has been instrumental in making CASE a reality. “Echocardiography is the key imaging modality to many important management issues in cardiology,” says Dr. Klein, who also serves as Director of Cleveland Clinic’s Center for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Pericardial Disease. “CASE has the potential to be the premier journal for showcasing the power and value of echocardiography in clinical decision-making. I’m thrilled about its potential impact on patient care.”