Noncoronary applications of cardiac multidetector row computed tomography.

Multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) has a high diagnostic accuracy to evaluate coronary artery stenoses. Additionally, the 4-dimensional aspect of cardiac MDCT allows a comprehensive evaluation of cardiac structure and function. Left ventricular volumes and systolic function can be accurately assessed with MDCT, and imaging of myocardial infarction is a promising application of cardiac MDCT. In addition, MDCT may provide anatomical visualization of heart valves. Also, evaluation of anatomy of the pulmonary veins and cardiac venous system render MDCT a valuable tool for the cardiologist performing electrophysiological procedures. In this article, the role of MDCT in the noninvasive evaluation of cardiac structure and function is discussed. An overview of the wide range of noncoronary applications of cardiac MDCT is provided, focusing on the assessment of left ventricular function, valvular heart disease, and cardiac venous anatomy.