Cardiac imaging in rheumatic heart disease and future developments

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Medical Imaging
• Public Health

Background:

• Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a leading cause of valvular heart disease globally, disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries.
• Current diagnostic imaging for RHD, while evolving, faces challenges with complexity and reproducibility.
• There's a critical need for practical and sensitive screening tools for RHD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current and emerging cardiac imaging techniques for Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD).
• To discuss the limitations of existing RHD diagnostic criteria and the need for improved methods.
• To explore the potential of novel imaging technologies, such as handheld echocardiography, in RHD management.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on cardiac imaging modalities in RHD diagnosis and management.
• Analysis of established and developing criteria for RHD diagnosis.
• Examination of advancements in echocardiography, including 2D and handheld devices.

Main Results:

• Two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography is the primary imaging modality for RHD.
• Existing diagnostic criteria (e.g., World Heart Foundation 2012) have limitations in simplicity and reproducibility.
• Handheld echocardiography shows promise for RHD screening in resource-limited settings but requires further validation.

Conclusions:

• Significant challenges persist in the imaging and screening of RHD, necessitating further research and development.
• Advancements in cardiac imaging, particularly portable solutions, could transform RHD care in underserved populations.
• A balance between accuracy and practicality is crucial for effective RHD diagnostic and screening tools.