The superb spatial and temporal resolution of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), as well as its reproducibility and independence from patient body habitus and acoustic window, make it an excellent tool for not only diagnostic assessment but also follow-up of valvular heart disease (VHD) patients to determine the optimal time for intervention. This article reviews the anatomy and pulse sequences used to assess these patients and provides an approach for CMR valvular assessment. In addition, it reviews the role of CMR in the assessment of patients with VHD.

Radiology; cardiac MRI; cardiac valves