The complementary role of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of patients with aortic stenosis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare direct planimetry of aortic valve area (AVA) by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging with transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), using the continuity equation.

METHODS: 15 symptomatic patients with aortic stenosis were studied. AVA was measured with CMR from steady state free precession imaging by planimetry. AVA was also calculated by TTE images using the continuity equation.

RESULTS: The evaluation of AVA by both CMR and TTE was possible in twelve out of fifteen patients. CMR was able to determine the AVA in all fifteen patients. AVAs obtained by CMR and TTE were very similar and a good correlation existed between the values obtained by either technique.

CONCLUSION: CMR planimetry is highly reliable and reproducible. AVAs obtained by CMR compare well with those obtained by TTE. Therefore, CMR planimetry of AVA with steady state free precession is a useful diagnostic tool, particularly if uncertainty exists.