Aortic valve assessment by cardiac tomography: application in clinical practice

Aortic valve disease is a highly prevalent and clinically significant condition in the general population. Cardiac computed tomography (CT) has emerged as a widely available imaging modality that provides high-resolution static and dynamic information, enabling comprehensive evaluation of valve anatomy and function. This technique complements echocardiography and other imaging tools, adding incremental value to clinical decision-making. Its principal applications include identifying the etiology of valvular disease, grading severity, and assessing adjacent structures, all of which are critical for therapeutic planning. This non-systematic review synthesizes the evidence on the role of CT in the assessment of the aortic valve, focusing on aortic stenosis, aortic regurgitation, infective endocarditis, and postoperative evaluation. The current body of evidence underscores the expanding role of CT in the integrated diagnosis and longitudinal management of aortic valve disease.