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Imaging the heart valves using ECG-gated 64-detector row cardiac CT

¹ Department of Clinical Radiology, ² South West Cardiothoracic Centre, Plymouth NHS Trust, Derriford, Plymouth PL6 8DH, UK

Correspondence: Dr Nathan E Manghat, Department of Clinical Radiology, Plymouth NHS Trust, Derriford Hospital, Derriford Road, Derriford, Plymouth, PL6 8DH, UK. E-mail: docnatman{at}msn.com

Multi-detector row cardiac CT imaging demonstrates clinical usefulness in valvular heart disease, for which CT has not been traditionally used. Electrocardiographic (ECG)-gated CT coronary angiography also has an established clinical role with an increasingly solid evidence base, and the same data set in these patients also provides valuable information about chamber and valvular structure and function; this information should also be considered when interpreting cardiac CT and non-ECG gated thoracic imaging. Although true flow data cannot be achieved using CT, as with echocardiography and MRI, there are a number of imaging features that may be used when interpreting and inferring valve pathology. This article discusses the role of currently available imaging modalities and the rationale for cardiac CT, while focusing on the CT interpretation of valvular heart disease with respect to the relevant pathophysiology and management options that have importance to the radiologist. A suggested method of post-processing image review is provided with reference to a variety of normal and pathological pictorial illustrations.