Computed tomography evaluation of cardiac valves: a review

Abstract

Electrocardiograph (ECG)-gated cardiac computed tomography (CT) angiography has great potential for the evaluation of the cardiac valves, with excellent image quality. The evidence-based, established clinical role of ECG-gated CT coronary angiography provides additional valuable information about valve morphology and function. A wide range of valve pathology, including congenital and acquired conditions, infectious endocarditis, and complications of valve replacement, can be assessed by cardiac CT imaging. Despite recent advances in CT technology, echocardiography remains the gold standard for noninvasive cardiac valve evaluation. Nevertheless, important clinical information about the valves can be obtained with coronary CT angiography examinations. Thus cardiac valve morphology and function should be routinely assessed and reported on coronary CT angiography examinations.