The Right Ventricle, the Forgotten Chamber or Not

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Imaging
• Radiology
• Cardiac MRI

Background:

• Right ventricular (RV) enlargement and dysfunction are critical indicators in various cardiovascular conditions, impacting diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.
• Accurate RV assessment is essential for effective patient management.
• Cardiac MR imaging (CMR) is the gold standard for evaluating the right ventricle due to its precision and reproducibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of current Cardiac MR imaging (CMR) techniques for assessing right ventricular (RV) involvement.
• To highlight novel and emerging advancements in CMR that enhance diagnostic capabilities for RV conditions.
• To discuss the role of innovative features in improving the evaluation of RV enlargement and dysfunction.

Main Methods:

• Review of current Cardiac MR imaging (CMR) protocols for RV assessment.
• Exploration of advanced CMR techniques including 4D flow, diffuse tensor imaging, and myocardial strain analysis.
• Discussion of emerging technologies like deep learning and computational fluid dynamics in RV evaluation.

Main Results:

• Cardiac MR imaging (CMR) provides accurate and reproducible measurements of RV volumes, ejection fraction, and flow.
• Novel CMR techniques offer enhanced tissue characterization and myocardial strain assessment.
• Emerging technologies show promise for further improving the diagnostic accuracy and scope of RV assessment using CMR.

Conclusions:

• Cardiac MR imaging (CMR) remains the superior modality for comprehensive right ventricular (RV) evaluation.
• Advancements in CMR, including 4D flow and deep learning, are expanding diagnostic capabilities for RV conditions.
• Continued innovation in CMR techniques is vital for improving the management of cardiovascular diseases involving the right ventricle.