International journal of cardiology congenital heart disease the ACHD multi-modality imaging series: Imaging of atrial septal defects in adulthood

Abstract

Multimodality imaging in cardiology, and particularly congenital heart disease, has evolved into a critical tool, essential for clinical decision-making and management. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each imaging modality allows for timely and accurate diagnosis, enables their complementary use in answering specific clinical questions, facilitates management and prevents overuse of cardiovascular imaging ensuring the most appropriate and cost-effective diagnostic strategy for each patient. We provide herewith an expert consensus on the role of different cardiovascular imaging modalities in the assessment of the atrial septal defect and its haemodynamic consequences in adults, highlighting each modality's strengths and weaknesses, and clarifying how they are best applied in various clinical settings.

Keywords

• Atrial septal defect
• Echocardiography
• Cardiac computed tomography
• Cardiovascular magnetic resonance
• Multimodality imaging