CT and MR imaging of patients with a dilated right ventricle due to congenital causes and their treatment

• Published in: British journal of radiology 2023-12, Vol.96 (1152), p.20230484
• Main Authors: Salgado, Rodrigo, Budde, Ricardo P J, Saba, Luca
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Heart Defects, Congenital; Heart Failure - diagnosis; Heart Failure - etiology; Heart Ventricles - diagnostic imaging; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging - adverse effects; Review; Tomography, X-Ray Computed - adverse effects; Ventricular Dysfunction, Right - diagnostic imaging; Ventricular Dysfunction, Right - etiology; Ventricular Dysfunction, Right - therapy
• ISSN: 0007-1285; 1748-880X; 1748-880X
• DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20230484

A variety of both acquired and congenital conditions can significantly affect the right ventricle, with a variety of potential origins that can have substantial clinical ramifications. These conditions can range from the impact of diseases like pulmonary arterial hypertension and ischaemic heart disease to valvular deficiencies resulting in heart failure. Moreover, the right ventricle response to factors like abnormal loading conditions, and its subsequent clinical effects, are influenced by factors such as age, disease progression, potential interventions, and their immediate and long-term clinical outcomes. Therefore, a readily available and reproducible non-invasive imaging assessment can aid in diagnosing the underlying condition of a dilated right ventricle, track its evolution, and help devising the most appropriate treatment strategy and optimal timing for its implementation throughout the patient's life.In this review, our primary focus will be on the non-invasive imaging with CT and MR of an enlarged right ventricle resulting from congenital causes and their treatment.