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Updated: Apr 1, 2026
Implantation of Total Artificial Heart in Congenital Heart Disease
Published on: July 18, 2014
Imaging of congenital heart disease in adults
Sonya V Babu-Narayan1, George Giannakoulas2, Anne Marie Valente3
1NIHR Cardiovascular Biomedical Research Unit, Adult Congenital Heart Centre and Centre for Pulmonary Hypertension, Royal Brompton Hospital, Sydney Street, London SW3 6NP, UK National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, UK.
Insights
Lifelong imaging is crucial for adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) patients. Advanced echocardiography, cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), and computed tomography (CT) offer comprehensive assessments for optimal care.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) requires lifelong monitoring and management.
- Imaging plays a pivotal role in assessing cardiac and vascular health in ACHD patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current landscape and advancements in imaging modalities for adult congenital heart disease (ACHD).
- To highlight the complementary roles of various imaging techniques in managing this heterogeneous patient population.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on echocardiography, cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), and computed tomography (CT) in ACHD.
- Discussion of the applications of cardiac catheterization for specific hemodynamic assessments and interventions.
Main Results:
- Echocardiography remains the primary imaging modality for routine care.
- CMR and CT provide essential anatomical and functional information, with ongoing advancements in speed and radiation reduction.
- Cardiac catheterization is primarily used for specialized hemodynamic evaluations and interventions.
Conclusions:
- A multimodal imaging approach, tailored to individual ACHD patient needs and guided by specialized expertise, is essential for optimal lifelong care.
- Continuous advancements in imaging technologies enhance diagnostic capabilities and patient management in ACHD.
Abstract:
Imaging is fundamental to the lifelong care of adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) patients. Echocardiography remains the first line imaging for inpatient, outpatient, or perioperative care. Cross-sectional imaging with cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) or computed tomography (CT) provides complementary and invaluable information on cardiac and vascular anatomy and other intra-thoracic structures. Furthermore, CMR provides quantification of cardiac function and vascular flow. Cardiac catheterization is mostly reserved for assessment of pulmonary vascular resistance, ventricular end-diastolic pressure, and percutaneous interventions. There have been further advances in non-invasive imaging for ACHD including the application of advanced echocardiographic techniques, faster automated CMR imaging, and radiation dose reduction in CT. As a result ACHD, a heterogeneous population, benefit from appropriate application of multiple imaging modalities matched with tertiary ACHD expertise.
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