The role of cardiovascular magnetic resonance in the evaluation of valve disease.

Echocardiography is the primary imaging modality for initial assessment and longitudinal evaluation of patients with valvular heart disease. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) has emerged as an additional or alternative modality in these patients providing clinically useful information not only about the valve lesion itself but also about the consequences for the relevant ventricle. Other unique capabilities of CMR include the assessment of surrounding anatomy (eg, great vessels) and the evaluation of myocardial scar or fibrosis. This review will highlight the role of CMR in the assessment of patients with valve disease with particular emphasis on the advantages of this imaging modality in key areas.