4D MDCT in the assessment of the tricuspid valve and its spatial relationship with the right coronary artery: A customized tool based on computed tomography for the planning of percutaneous procedures

Abstract

Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) is currently the imaging technique of choice for the assessment of tricuspid valve (TV) annulus geometry and relationship with the right coronary artery (RCA). However, standardized protocols with a full 3D analysis are still lacking to plan percutaneous procedures for functional tricuspid regurgitation (FTR). A novel customized 4-dimensional tool based on MDCT data was developed and provided accurate information on TV annulus morphology (3D-perimeter, 2D-Area, maximum and minimum diameters, eccentricity index), function and distance to the RCA, crucial for patient selection of percutaneous TV procedures.

Keywords: Annulus; MDCT; Right coronary artery; Tenting volume; Tricuspid valve.