Assessment of the tricuspid valve using cardiovascular magnetic resonance

Purpose of review The rapid search for suitable tricuspid transcatheter devices has ignited renewed enthusiasm in accurate characterization of tricuspid valve disease. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), traditionally used as the gold standard in assessment for right ventricular size and function, has recently seen its use expanded to assess both the structure and function of the tricuspid apparatus. This review will highlight the role of CMR in tricuspid valve disease and compare it with other commonly used imaging modalities. Recent findings Dynamic anatomical assessment of the tricuspid apparatus, in combination with accurate leaflet identification, is possible with CMR. Tricuspid regurgitation volume and fraction are derived through an indirect volumetric method, and therefore, able to overcome many traditional hurdles involved with valve regurgitation quantitation. Adverse right heart prognostic factors in tricuspid valve disease, such as right heart volumes, function, and tissue characterization, are optimally assessed using CMR. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance is a powerful modality that should be harnessed in order to obtain a multifaceted assessment of tricuspid valve structure, function, and the effects of valve disease on right heart remodeling.

Automated summary

This review highlights the role of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in tricuspid valve disease, showing its advantages in dynamic anatomical assessment, accurate leaflet identification, and volumetric calculation. CMR can be used to evaluate tricuspid regurgitation volume and fraction, as well as optimize the assessment of adverse right heart prognostic factors.