Imaging for the assessment of heart failure in congenital heart disease: ventricular function and beyond

Abstract

Although heart failure is a diagnosis made on clinical grounds, cardiac imaging remains essential for quantifying ventricular remodeling and function, and for identifying potentially reversible causes of heart failure. Various nongeometric methods for the assessment of ventricular function have been developed, and 3-dimensional imaging is also gaining ground in its clinical applications. This review focuses on the application of noninvasive imaging strategies in the assessment of heart failure in congenital heart disease, specifically echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography. Both traditional and emerging techniques are discussed, and their potential applications and limitations explored.

Keywords: Cardiac magnetic resonance; Clinical assessment; Congenital; Echocardiography; Heart defect; Heart failure.