Evaluation of valvular disease by cardiac computed tomography assessment

Cardiac multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) angiography is emerging as a technique to evaluate cardiac valve structure and function. MDCT can provide insights into cardiac valve anatomy and pathologic states, including comparable efficacy in valve area and regurgitant orifice area assessment compared with echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging. MDCT can also be useful when initial evaluation of valvular disease with echocardiography yields suboptimal images. MDCT provides concurrent visualization of coronary anatomy which may avoid the need for further invasive preoperative testing. Overall, more studies have shown the utility of MDCT in imaging of left-sided valves (aortic and mitral), whereas its ability in assessing right-sided valves (tricuspid and pulmonary) is somewhat limited. MDCT has shown promise as a valuable adjunctive imaging tool to conventional imaging modalities in providing essential anatomic and physiologic data on the sequelae of valvular dysfunction, with the potential of guiding both surgical and percutaneous management. MDCT technology continues to evolve, and more studies are indicated to further refine its precise role in the evaluation of patients with valvular pathology. (C) 2012 Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography. All rights reserved.