Clinically guided use of cardiac CT in valvular heart diseases

Abstract

Introduction Valvular heart diseases are one of the central topics of echocardiography and general cardiology. Recent advances like 3D echo and deformation imaging have substantially improved our understanding of the disease and the evaluation of patients. Cardiac computed tomography applied to valvular diseases is a new and promising tool with the potential to overcome echocardiography limitations in complex patients or complex scenarios like transcatheter aortic implantation. Objectives In this article we will review the literature data related to cardiac computed tomography in valvular diseases with a special focus on practical clinical application. Conclusion Cardiac CT can be useful in the evaluation of valvular patients, especially in complex scenarios like aortic stenosis or transcatheter aortic valve implantation when echocardiographic evaluation is not enough.