The Role of Multimodality Imaging in Right Ventricular Failure

Abstract

Right ventricular dysfunction is increasingly being recognized as a marker of poor prognosis in a variety of cardiovascular diseases. Hence, identification and accurate quantification of the degree of impairment is crucial. Although echocardiography remains the mainstay for right ventricular evaluation, multimodality noninvasive cardiac imaging provides additional useful corroborative assessment. Cardiac MRI is particularly useful for accurate quantification of right ventricular volumes and function, as well as myocardial tissue characterization. This article outlines the clinically useful applications of multimodality imaging for comprehensive assessment of the right heart and associated structures in the setting of right ventricular failure.

Keywords: Computed tomography; Echocardiography; Magnetic resonance imaging; Right ventricle.