Multimodal imaging of the tricuspid valve: normal appearance and pathological entities

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Radiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Tricuspid valve diseases pose a significant threat to patient morbidity and mortality.
• Echocardiography is the primary imaging tool, but CT and MRI are gaining importance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review tricuspid valve anatomy, embryology, and the role of imaging modalities.
• To illustrate imaging findings of congenital and acquired tricuspid valve abnormalities.

Main Methods:

• Review of normal tricuspid valve anatomy and embryology.
• Discussion of echocardiography, CT, and MRI in evaluating tricuspid valve disorders.
• Illustration of imaging appearances of various tricuspid valve abnormalities.

Main Results:

• Tricuspid valve diseases are increasingly recognized as major contributors to morbidity and mortality.
• CT and MRI are becoming essential for detailed evaluation and characterization of tricuspid valve conditions.
• Functional issues represent the most prevalent cause of tricuspid regurgitation.

Conclusions:

• Advanced imaging techniques like CT and MRI are vital for comprehensive assessment of tricuspid valve abnormalities.
• These modalities aid in diagnosis, functional assessment, surgical planning, and post-operative monitoring.
• Understanding imaging findings is critical for managing tricuspid valve diseases effectively.