[Multislice computed tomography in the selection of candidates for transcatheter aortic valve implantation]

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation is an emerging treatment option for severe symptomatic aortic stenosis in patients considered unsuitable for surgical valve replacement. The authors review the use of multislice computed tomography in the selection of candidates for transcatheter aortic valve replacement, procedural support and post-interventional follow-up. A single-center experience of the role of this imaging technique is also described. Multislice computed tomography is an essential imaging tool in the selection and exclusion of candidates for transcatheter aortic valve implantation, providing evaluation of coronary anatomy and the relationship of the coronary ostia with the aortic valve structure, and accurate analysis of the valve annulus and aortic root, left ventricular outflow tract, aorta and peripheral vascular access routes. Multislice computed tomography is also central to the choice of appropriate prosthesis size. In addition, it guides arterial puncture by image fusion techniques and enables correct prosthesis apposition to be verified. This review aims to describe the role of computed tomography in this increasingly common interventional valve procedure, providing an overview of current knowledge and applications.