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Echocardiographic Approaches and Protocols for Comprehensive Phenotypic Characterization of Valvular Heart Disease in Mice
Published on: February 14, 2017
Contemporary imaging of normal mitral valve anatomy and function.
Philippe Debonnaire1, Meindert Palmen, Nina Ajmone Marsan
1Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
Current Opinion in Cardiology
|July 24, 2012
Summary
Accurate characterization of mitral valve anatomy and function is vital for understanding mitral valve disease. Recent advances in noninvasive cardiac imaging, including echocardiography, computed tomography, and cardiac magnetic resonance, enhance diagnostic capabilities for mitral valve disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Imaging
- Valvular Heart Disease
Background:
- Mitral valve disease is a common condition requiring precise anatomical and functional assessment.
- Understanding normal mitral valve structure and function is fundamental to diagnosing and managing mitral valve disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in noninvasive cardiac imaging techniques for evaluating mitral valve anatomy and function.
- To provide an overview of the clinical applications of these novel imaging modalities in patients with mitral valve disease.
Main Methods:
- Echocardiography (2D and 3D) remains a primary imaging modality.
- Computed tomography (CT) offers high-resolution 3D data for detailed morphological assessment.
- Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) provides accurate anatomical and functional evaluation, serving as a reference for mitral flow quantification.
Main Results:
- 3D echocardiography enhances morphological and functional mitral valve assessment compared to 2D echocardiography.
- CT is valuable for detailed morphological and geometrical studies of the mitral valve and adjacent structures.
- CMR is the gold standard for quantifying mitral regurgitation and assessing overall valve function.
Conclusions:
- Abnormalities in any mitral valve component can lead to dysfunction.
- Current noninvasive imaging modalities accurately assess mitral valve anatomy and function.
- These advanced imaging techniques improve diagnosis, offer pathophysiological insights, and guide treatment strategies for mitral valve disease.
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