Bands, Chords, Tendons, and Membranes in the Heart: An Imaging Overview

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Radiology
• Anatomical Pathology

Background:

• Cardiac chambers contain various structures including crests, bands, chords, and membranes.
• These structures can be asymptomatic or lead to significant hemodynamic disturbances.
• Accurate diagnosis requires understanding normal variants and pathological features.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review cross-sectional cardiac imaging findings.
• To differentiate normal anatomical variants from pathological bands, chords, or membranes.
• To highlight imaging features associated with hemodynamic changes.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing newer generation computed tomographic (CT) scanners.
• Employing faster magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences.
• Acquiring high-resolution images of cardiac chambers.

Main Results:

• Advanced CT and MRI provide high spatial and temporal resolution.
• Improved identification of small internal cardiac structures like papillary muscles, muscular bands, chords, and membranes.
• Facilitation of diagnosis for associated complications and malformations.

Conclusions:

• Cross-sectional imaging is crucial for diagnosing cardiac chamber abnormalities.
• Distinguishing normal variants from pathological structures is key for patient management.
• Advanced imaging aids in treatment planning for hemodynamic disturbances.