Role of Multimodality Imaging in Transcatheter Structural Interventions.

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Imaging
• Interventional Cardiology

Background:

• Cardiac imaging is crucial for safe and effective transcatheter structural interventions.
• Various imaging modalities offer distinct advantages in assessing cardiac structures and pathologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the roles of different cardiac imaging techniques in transcatheter structural interventions.
• To highlight the specific applications of echocardiography, CT, MRI, and PET in procedural planning and guidance.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on cardiac imaging in transcatheter interventions.
• Description of the capabilities of transthoracic echocardiogram, transesophageal echocardiogram, cardiac CT, cardiac MRI, and cardiac PET.

Main Results:

• Transthoracic echocardiogram assesses valvular disorders; transesophageal echocardiogram details regurgitation mechanisms and guides edge-to-edge repair.
• Cardiac CT evaluates calcifications and aids valve replacement planning; MRI provides accurate volumetric assessment.
• Cardiac PET detects active infection using FDG radiotracer.

Conclusions:

• Each cardiac imaging modality plays a vital, complementary role in the multidisciplinary approach to transcatheter structural interventions.
• Optimal utilization of these techniques ensures procedural success and improves patient management.