Diagnostic approach to assessment of valvular heart disease using magnetic resonance imaging, part II: a practical approach for native and prosthetic heart valve stenosis.

MRI is already an established diagnostic modality for assessing valvular stenosis although it is not usually used as the initial non-invasive test. The preferred diagnostic modality for valvular stenosis is currently echocardiography. However, MRI has been offered as a good alternative test in the event of inconclusive echocardiography results. During the course of valvular stenosis, the valve orifice area decreases and the pressure gradient across the diseased valve increases. Valvular orifice area is the major core indicator for valvular stenosis severity grading. Compared with valvular regurgitation, assessment with MRI for valvular stenosis is less complicated. The aim of this article is to detail the MRI techniques in assessing native and prosthetic heart valve stenosis.