Multimodality Imaging of the Right Ventricle.

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Imaging
• Radiology
• Echocardiography

Background:

• Right ventricular (RV) structure and function are critical in various clinical conditions.
• Conventional echocardiography (echo) has limitations in assessing the RV due to its complex geometry.
• Emerging echo techniques and advanced volumetric methods show promise for improved RV assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the capabilities of advanced imaging modalities for RV assessment.
• To discuss the complementary roles of echocardiography, CMR, and CT in evaluating RV pathologies.
• To outline the emerging evidence for these methods in RV diagnosis and management.

Main Methods:

• Review of conventional echocardiography, 3D echo, and speckle tracking strain.
• Analysis of volumetric methods using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and computed tomography (CT).
• Evaluation of tissue characterization imaging (scar and fat) with CMR and CT.

Main Results:

• Advanced echo techniques may overcome limitations of conventional methods.
• CMR and CT provide accurate RV volumetric assessment without geometric assumptions.
• Tissue characterization with CMR and CT offers insights beyond structure and function.

Conclusions:

• Advanced imaging modalities offer significant advantages for RV assessment.
• CMR and CT provide crucial diagnostic and prognostic information for RV pathologies.
• Understanding the complementary roles of these techniques is essential for optimal patient management.