Insights from the EACVI document on multi-modality imaging assessment of native valvular regurgitation: what does it add to the ESC guidelines on the management of valvular heart disease?

Abstract

European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) and European Society of Cardiology (ESC) council of valvular heart disease (VHD) have recently published a position paper on multi-modality imaging (MMI) assessment of native valvular regurgitation (1). The growing availability of devices and therapeutic techniques in recent years has enabled the treatment of increasingly complex valve disease. The opportunity to integrate data from different non-invasive imaging techniques allows a more precise morphologic and functional characterization of the disease and consequently the choice of the most appropriate therapeutic option. The purpose of this EACVI document is to complement the ESC 2021 guidelines on VHD by providing clinical guidance for the evaluation of native valve regurgitation by MMI (2).