Morphology and beyond: CT of cardiac valves

Abstract

Multi-detector row CT has developed into a valuable tool for noninvasive imaging of the heart. The major indication of cardiac CT represents the diagnosis or exclusion of coronary artery disease. Owing to its cross-sectional nature, the same data obtained for the coronary arteries contain morpho-anatomical information about the cardiac chambers and valves. When scanning in the retrospectively electrocardiography-gated mode, data can be reconstructed in various phases of the cardiac cycle. This enables assessing the movement of the open and closed valves. When performing planimetric measurements of the valve opening and regurgitant orifi ce areas in case of stenotic and regurgitant valves, estimations of valvular function can be given that correlate well with the results from echocardiography. This article reviews the current evidence regarding the accuracy of CT for imaging the morphology and function of the cardiac valves.