Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Magnetic resonance imaging is a noninvasive imaging modality that is gaining importance in clinical and interventional cardiology. In the setting of TAVI, MRI is emerging as an attractive alternative to CT and echocardiography for both preoperative assessment and postoperative surveillance, providing detailed assessment of cardiovascular anatomy and function without using ionizing radiations and without the need of contrast agent. In addition, MRI provides unique information concerning tissue characterization both with contrast-based late gadolinium enhancement sequence and the novel T1 mapping technique, allowing for the detection of myocardial fibrosis, which has a prognostic value in patients with aortic stenosis. This chapter will explore the use of MRI in the periprocedural evaluation of patients undergoing TAVI, highlighting advantages and limitations of the technique and offering a perspective on its future potential.