title: MDCT evaluation of aortic root and aortic valve prior to TAVI. What is the optimal imaging time point in the cardiac cycle?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the optimal imaging time point for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) therapy planning by comprehensive evaluation of the aortic root.
  
  
  METHODS
  Multidetector-row CT (MDCT) examination with retrospective ECG gating was retrospectively performed in 64 consecutive patients referred for pre-TAVI assessment. Eighteen different parameters of the aortic root were evaluated at 11 different time points in the cardiac cycle. Time points at which maximal (or minimal) sizes were determined, and dimension differences to other time points were evaluated. Theoretical prosthesis sizing based on different measurements was compared.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Largest dimensions were found between 10 and 20% of the cardiac cycle for annular short diameter (10%); mean diameter (10%); effective diameter and circumference-derived diameter (20%); distance from the annulus to right coronary artery ostium (10%); aortic root at the left coronary artery level (20%); aortic root at the widest portion of coronary sinuses (20%); and right leaflet length (20%). Prosthesis size selection differed depending on the chosen measurements in 25-75% of cases.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Significant changes in anatomical structures of the aortic root during the cardiac cycle are crucial for TAVI planning. Imaging in systole is mandatory to obtain maximal dimensions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  • Most aortic root structures undergo significant dimensional changes throughout the cardiac cycle. • The largest dimensions of aortic parameters should be determined to optimize TAVI. • Circumference-derived diameter showed maximum dimension at 20% of the cardiac cycle.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Maastricht University Medical Center, P. Debyelaan 25, P.O. Box 5800, 6202, AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Tomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Jurencak
authors.forename: Jakub
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Turek
authors.forename: Bastiaan L J H
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Kietselaer
authors.forename: Casper
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mihl
authors.forename: Madeleine
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kok
authors.forename: Vincent G V A
authors.initials: VG
authors.lastname: van Ommen
authors.forename: Leen A F M
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: van Garsse
authors.forename: Estelle C
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Nijssen
authors.forename: Joachim E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Wildberger
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Das
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001013:Aorta, Thoracic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D001021:Aortic Valve / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D001024:Aortic Valve Stenosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D003331:Coronary Vessels / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D061330:Multidetector Computed Tomography / Q000379:methods; D009929:Organ Size; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013599:Systole; D065467:Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement / Q000379:methods*