Review: application of current imaging modalities in the management of left-sided valvular heart disease.

In terms of valvular heart disease (VHD) imaging, transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is the preferred first choice because of its widespread availability. Other modalities, such as transesophageal echocardiography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, have played a supplementary role in diagnosis for severity, deciding the timing/type of treatment, detection of post procedural complications, and prognostic predictions. However, there are few consensuses on how to employ these modalities, as the evidence is not extensive as that for TTE. On the other hand, these imaging modalities also have their own unique strengths. If employed properly, these modalities have the potential to play a more prominent role in clinical decision making. In this review, we focus on the potential, limitations and application of current imaging modalities in the management of left-sided VHD.