Right heart on multidetector CT.
Right ventricular function plays an integral role in the pathogenesis and outcome of many cardiovascular diseases. Imaging the right ventricle has long been a challenge because of its complex geometry. In recent years there has been a tremendous expansion in multidetector row CT (MDCT) and its cardiac applications. By judicious modification of contrast medium protocol, it is possible to achieve good opacification of the right-sided cardiac chambers, thereby paving the way for exploring the overshadowed right heart. This article will describe the key features of right heart anatomy, review MDCT acquisition techniques, elaborate the various morphological and functional information that can be obtained, and illustrate some important clinical conditions associated with an abnormal right heart.
Department of Radiology, Papworth Hospital NHS Trust, Papworth Everard, Cambridge, UK. deepa.gopalan@btopenworld.com
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D000783:Aneurysm / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D017023:Coronary Angiography; D006321:Heart / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006330:Heart Defects, Congenital / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006349:Heart Valve Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006352:Heart Ventricles / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D006976:Hypertension, Pulmonary / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D061330:Multidetector Computed Tomography / Q000379:methods*; D011660:Pulmonary Heart Disease / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D018497:Ventricular Dysfunction, Right / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D016278:Ventricular Function, Right / Q000502:physiology