Managing Ebstein's Anomaly of the Tricuspid Valve: Impact of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance

Abstract

Ebstein’s anomaly (EA) is a congenital malformation of the tricuspid valve and right ventricle, with a highly variable morphology and clinical presentation. Recent technological developments in cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) have resulted in a better understanding of the uncommon in vivo heart anatomy and function of EA. CMR has evolved into the preferred method for cardiac morphology and physiology assessment. Its feasibility and benefits for the assessment and management of EA have been demonstrated. Accurate volumetric and functional data can be obtained for the right and left side of the heart thereby enabling accurate evaluation of the severity of the disease and clinical decision-making. It furthermore contributes to the planning and timing of interventions. This article aims to review available CMR techniques and their impact on diagnosis and management of patients with EA with an emphasis on future developments and their potential clinical implications.