Cardiac computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging: complementary or competing?

Cardiac computed tomography and magnetic resonance have important roles in patient selection, planning, and surveillance of various structural interventional procedures. The strengths of computed tomography (CT) are its superior spatial resolution, short acquisition time, and ability to view images in any plane using multiplanar reconstruction software. On the other hand, the advantage of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the ability to provide combined haemodynamic and anatomical data, as well as tissue characterisation, without use of nephrotoxic contrast or radiation exposure. The choice of imaging modality is dependent on the specific structural heart intervention, patient-related factors, and institutional expertise.