Recent advances in CT and MR cardiac imaging have made it essential to understand the anatomy and pathophysiology of valvular heart disease and basic ECG interpretation. The purpose of this exhibit is to provide the user with the clinical confidence to evaluate the heart on CT and MR and appreciate the clinical significance of imaging findings

This exhibit will review the cardiac cycle, which will include preload and afterload pressure changes and the effect these components have on cardiac function. Normal valvular anatomy and pathophysiology will be discussed with a focus on understanding valvular dysfunction involving the aortic, mitral, and tricuspid valves along with their CT and MR imaging characteristics. An ECG tutorial will be presented with review of the more common findings from arrhythmias to myocardial ischemia.

By reviewing the normal cardiac physiology, valvular anatomy, and valvular dysfunction, the radiologist will be armed with the necessary knowledge to better understand the imaging findings and their clinical significance. Since no cardiac exam is complete without an ECG, understanding the electrocardiogram will provide insight into the pre-planning, post-processing, and interpretation of the examination at hand.