Blood pool inversion volume-rendering technique for visualization of the aortic valve.

This brief review focuses on use of an advanced postprocessing volume-rendering technique for cardiac computed tomographic angiography (CTA) called blood pool inversion (BPI). In particular, we focus on the application of BPI in visualization of the aortic valve. Practical tips and tricks about aortic valve imaging with cardiac CTA are given. Topics include optimization of patient preparation and image acquisition; strengths and limitations of standard postprocessing techniques such as multiplanar reconstruction, maximal intensity projection, and minimum intensity projection; and use of advanced volume rendering with BPI for assessment of aortic valve disease.