Valvular heart disease

Congenital and acquired valvular disease remains a frequent cause of morbid ity and mortality. It presents a diagnostic challenge in all age groups, an d often occurs in conjunction with other types of heart disease. Traditiona l chest radiography provides the earliest opportunity for radiologic diagno sis, hence the need for skill and knowledge in interpreting the radiographi c findings. Echocardiography with color flow Doppler measurements is freque ntly the next modality applied. CT and MR imaging can simultaneously displa y cardiovascular morphology with greater spatial resolution than ultrasound , and at the same time provide quantitative assessment of cardiac function. The role of diagnostic imaging is therefore crucial, both for primary diag nosis and in the management of valvular heart disease. Furthermore, it is f undamental in evaluating the results of all forms of interventional therapy .