Imaging the Right Heart-Pulmonary Circulation Unit: The Role of MRI and Computed Tomography.

ABSTRACT

The different components of the right heart pulmonary circulation unit can be investigated by MRI and computed tomography. MRI has clear advantages over echocardiography for accurate definition of right heart function and structure and to derive functional information regarding the pulmonary vasculature. Computed tomography is superior for the assessment of parenchymal and vascular pathologies of the lung with indications in the diagnostic work-up of pulmonary hypertension, but with more limited capability to evaluate right ventricular function and in deriving pulmonary hemodynamics. Recent technical developments with these imaging modalities could allow a better evaluation of the right heart pulmonary circulation unit.