Patient selection for transcatheter aortic valve replacement: A combined clinical and multimodality imaging approach

Table 3 Multimodality imaging in pre transcatheter aortic valve replacement evaluation

Technique	Principal advantages	Disadvantages
Transthoracic echocardiography	Widespread availability First line diagnostic tool	Poor acoustic window Frequent discrepancy between different parameters
Transesophageal echocardiography	Good spatial resolution	Suboptimal for distal ascending aorta and arch
3 D reconstruction	Semi-invasive exam	Anatomic definition and annulus measurement
Multislice computed tomography	Multiplanar reconstruction Quantification of calcium score Evaluation of aorto-femoral tract	Potential nephrotoxicity of contrast medium Radiations exposition Controlled heart rate
Magnetic resonance imaging	Tissue characterization Multiplanar reconstruction Evaluation of aorto-femoral tract Controlled heart rate	Reduced availability Poor evaluation of calcifications Contraindicated in metallic devices wearers
Positron emission tomography	Evaluation of calcification and inflammation	Poor spatial resolution