Use of advanced cardiac imaging in congenital heart disease: growth, indications and innovations

Abstract

Purpose of review Significant improvements in the diagnosis and management of patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) have led to improved survival. These patients require life-long noninvasive evaluation. The use of advanced imaging such as cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) and cardiac computed tomography (CCT) has increased to support this need. The purpose of this review is to discuss the basics of advanced cardiac imaging, indications and review the recent innovations. Recent findings Recent literature has demonstrated the increasing reliance of advanced imaging for CHD patients. In addition, research is focusing on CMR techniques to shorten scan time and address previous limitations that made imaging younger and sicker patients more challenging. CCT research has involved demonstrating high-quality images with low radiation exposure. Advances in digital technology have impacted the interactivity of 3D imaging through the use of virtual and augmented reality platforms. With the increased reliance of advanced imaging, appropriate use criteria have been developed to address possible under or over utilization. Summary The utilization of advanced cardiac imaging continues to increase. As CMR and CCT continue to grow, increased knowledge of these modalities and their usage will be necessary for clinicians caring for CHD patients.

Diagnostic approach and treatment of ventricular septal defect associated with PDA, coarctation of aorta, hypoplastic aortic arch and multiple valvular heart disease in a tertiary center: An infrequent association

“…These findings are supported by further imaging with Cardiac MRI and CT angiography (CTA), which are utilized in complex cases or when detailed anatomical information is necessary for intervention planning [11] . CTA offers exceptional resolution for visualizing the aortic arch, detailing the extent of narrowing in CoA and revealing any associated anatomical features such as collateral vessels, which are crucial for comprehensive surgical planning.…”

“…CTA offers exceptional resolution for visualizing the aortic arch, detailing the extent of narrowing in CoA and revealing any associated anatomical features such as collateral vessels, which are crucial for comprehensive surgical planning. Cardiac MRI provides additional functional and structural details, including ventricular volumes and mass, beneficial in managing VSD and assessing vascular structures in PDA and CoA, offering a complete view of the cardiovascular system without ionizing radiation, thus suitable for repeated examinations in pediatric cases [11 , 12] .…”

Non-invasive pediatric cardiac imaging—current status and further perspectives

“…The most established application field of cardiac MRI is congenital heart disease [16][17][18][19]. Besides this, the assessment of inflammatory diseases (myocarditis) [20] and the emerging field of cardio-oncology (myocardial involvement due to potentially cardiotoxic anti-cancer therapeutics) plus the new field of fetal cardiac MRI [21,22] are of high importance.…”