Topic: Aortic Valve Disease and Aortopathies: From Imaging to Therapeutic Strategies

Aortic valve disease and aortopathies encompass a wide spectrum of cardiovascular conditions that continue to present significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. In recent years, major progress in surgical techniques, the introduction of transcatheter interventions, and advances in multimodality imaging - such as echocardiography, computed tomography, and cardiac magnetic resonance - have transformed diagnosis, risk stratification, and patient care. Genetic syndromes including bicuspid aortic valve, Marfan, and Loeys–Dietz highlight the close relationship between valve disease and aortopathy, emphasizing the need for tailored diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. At the same time, the rapid evolution of surgical and transcatheter devices for both valve replacement and aortic repair, together with the ongoing debate on optimal antithrombotic strategies, continues to redefine clinical practice.

This Special Issue aims to provide a comprehensive and updated overview of imaging, genetics, therapeutic strategies, and future perspectives in the management of aortic valve disease and aortopathies.

Recommended topics for the special issue include:

1. Echocardiography in aortic valve disease: advanced techniques and follow-up;

2. Computed tomography for aortic valve and aortopathies: calcium scoring, TAVI planning, aneurysm and dissection assessment;

3. Cardiac magnetic resonance in aortic disease: flow quantification, myocardial remodeling, aortic dilation and dissection imaging;

4. Artificial intelligence and machine learning: applications in imaging, diagnosis, and risk prediction of valve disease and aortopathies;

5. Bicuspid aortic valve and associated aortopathy: imaging, genetics, and clinical management;

6. Genetic and hereditary aortic syndromes: diagnosis, imaging, and management;

7. Surgical and transcatheter devices for aortic valve replacement: state of the art and future directions;

8. Endovascular and surgical repair of aortic disease: current evidence and innovations;

9. Clinical trials in aortic valve disease and aortopathies;

10. Antithrombotic strategies after valve and aortic interventions: balancing ischemic and bleeding risk.