Cardiomegaly: Navigating the uncharted territories of heart failure - A multimodal radiological journey through advanced imaging, pathophysiological landscapes, and innovative therapeutic frontiers

Curr Probl Cardiol. 2024 Sep;49(9):102748. doi: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2024.102748. Epub 2024 Jul 14.

Abstract

Cardiomegaly is among the disorders categorized by a structural enlargement of the heart by any of the situations including pregnancy, resulting in damage to heart muscles and causing trouble in normal heart functioning. Cardiomegaly can be defined in terms of dilatation with an enlarged heart and decreased left or biventricular contraction. The genetic origin of cardiomegaly is becoming more evident due to extensive genomic research opening up new avenues to ensure the use of precision medicine. Cardiomegaly is usually assessed by using an array of radiological modalities, including computed tomography (CT) scans, chest X-rays, and MRIs. These imaging techniques have provided an important opportunity for the physiology and anatomy of the heart. This review aims to highlight the complexity of cardiomegaly, highlighting the contribution of both ecological and genetic variables to its progression. Moreover, we further highlight the worth of precise clinical diagnosis, which comprises blood biomarkers and electrocardiograms (EKG ECG), demonstrating the significance of distinguishing between numerous basic causes. Finally, the analysis highlights the extensive variation of treatment lines, such as lifestyle modifications, prescription drugs, surgery, and implantable devices, although highlighting the critical need for individualized and personalized care.

Keywords: CT-scan; Cardiomegaly; Diagnosis; MRI; Radiology; Surveillance; X-rays.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cardiomegaly* / diagnosis
  • Cardiomegaly* / diagnostic imaging
  • Cardiomegaly* / physiopathology
  • Cardiomegaly* / therapy
  • Electrocardiography
  • Heart Failure* / diagnosis
  • Heart Failure* / physiopathology
  • Heart Failure* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Multimodal Imaging / methods
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods