Andrew M. Taylor

The increasing prevalence of congenital heart disease (CHD) can be attributed to major improvements in diagnosis and treatment. Although echocardiography is the most commonly used imaging modality for diagnosis and follow up of subjects with CHD, the evolution of both cardiovascular magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and computed tomography (CT) does offer new ways to visualize the heart and the great vessels. The development of cardiovascular MR techniques such as spinecho and gradient-echo imaging, velocity-encoded phase contrast MR and gadolinium-enhanced MR angiography allow comprehensive assessment of cardiac anatomy and function. This provides information about the long-term sequelae of the underlying complex anatomy, hemodynamic assessment of residual post-operative lesions and complications of surgery. As much of the functional data in CHD patients is usually acquired with invasive X-ray angiography, non-invasive alternatives such as cardiovascular MR and CT are desirable. This review evaluates the role of both these modalities in the management of subjects with CHD, particularly detailing recent developments in imaging techniques as they relate to the various CHD diagnoses we commonly encounter in our practice.

An arts workshop investigated the process of communicating the notion of uniqueness with young people with congenital heart disease (CHD) and whether threedimensional (3D) visualization could be more effective than two-dimensional (2D) visualization for elaborating CHD anatomy and increasing awareness. Young people with CHD (n=7, 14–18 years old) were invited to a workshop by a multidisciplinary team (a visual artist, a bioengineer, two psychologists and an adolescent clinical nurse specialist). The artist guided the participants through self-portrait exercises, creative writing, painting a body map, discussions and reflections. Participants also discussed a range of 3D-printed heart models. Participants unanimously agreed that a 3D-sculpted self-portrait form was more immediate than a 2D portrait form for representing themselves. Body maps provided insight into their inner landscape. In discussing 3D heart models, different preferences emerged, at times contrasting or even opposed. The quality of engagement was excellent throughout. An interdisciplinary approach can be successfully used to explore the potentially sensitive theme of uniqueness in CHD.