Flow measurements in clinical cardiac imaging

Echocardiography and cardiac MRI have helped expand understanding of complex fluid dynamics within the heart's chambers. However, many of the advances have yet to be fully used in clinical practice. We explore the role of fluid mechanics in intracardiac flow analysis and in assessing cardiac function and diagnosing diseases. Emerging trends include a shift from pressure-based assessments to more detailed analyses of flow energy and vortex dynamics, and the use of machine learning. Reproducibility and standardization remain challenging. Critical research needs are identified, including validating fluid mechanics measurements and developing a unified framework for intracardiac flow analysis.