Cardiac CT Beyond Coronaries: Focus on Structural Heart Disease

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Imaging
• Interventional Cardiology
• Medical Diagnostics

Background:

• Cardiac computed tomography (CT) is a vital non-invasive tool for evaluating coronary artery disease.
• It is increasingly important in the preinterventional assessment of structural heart disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of the role of CT in structural heart interventions.
• To highlight CT's utility in preprocedural and postprocedural management.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature and clinical applications of cardiac CT.
• Focus on CT's role in structural heart disease interventions.

Main Results:

• CT is the gold standard for preprocedural assessment, including annular sizing and risk stratification.
• CT is essential for visualizing calcification and predicting angulation for transcatheter interventions.
• CT is key for postprocedural evaluation of prosthesis complications like thrombosis or degeneration.

Conclusions:

• Cardiac CT is indispensable for the comprehensive management of structural heart disease interventions.
• Its application spans from preprocedural planning to postprocedural monitoring, enhancing patient care.