Is MRI equivalent to CT in the guidance of TAVR? A pilot study

Objectives To compare a comprehensive cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol with contrast-enhanced computed tomography angiography (CTA) for guidance in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) evaluation. Methods and results Non-contrast three-dimensional (3D) ‘whole heart’ MRI imaging for aortic annulus sizing and measurements of coronary ostia heights, contrast-enhanced MRI angiography (MRA) for evaluation of transfemoral routes as well as aortoiliofemoral-CTA were performed in 16 patients referred for evaluation of TAVR. Aortic annulus measurements by MRI and CTA showed a very strong correlation (r=0.956, p