16 – Acquired valvular heart disease

Valvular heart disease affects more than 100 million people worldwide and represents a growing problem because of the high incidence of rheumatic heart disease in developing countries and the increasing burden of degenerative valve disease in the ageing population. Imaging is fundamental for the initial diagnostic work-up, follow-up, and selection of the optimal timing and type of intervention in patients suffering from valvular heart disease. Echocardiography is the first line imaging but combining multimodality imaging (e.g., 3D echo, strain imaging, cardiac CT, CMR, nuclear imaging) with clinical findings and circulating biomarkers enables to enhance individualized risk stratification.