Clinical application of CMR in cardiomyopathies: evolving concepts and techniques
Marco Merlo, Giulia Gagno, Anna Baritussio, Barbara Bauce, Elena Biagini, Marco Canepa, Alberto Cipriani, Silvia Castelletti, Santo Dellegrottaglie, Andrea Igoren Guaricci, Massimo Imazio, Giuseppe Limongelli, Beatrice Musumeci, Vanda Parisi, Silvia Pica, Gianluca Pontone, Giancarlo Todiere, Camilla Torlasco, Cristina Basso, Gianfranco Sinagra, Pasquale Perrone Filardi, Ciro Indolfi, Camillo Autore, Andrea Barison
Abstract
Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) has become an essential tool for the evaluation of patients affected or at risk of developing cardiomyopathies (CMPs). In fact, CMR not only provides precise data on cardiac volumes, wall thickness, mass and systolic function but it also a non-invasive characterization of myocardial tissue, thus helping the early diagnosis and the precise phenotyping of the different CMPs, which is essential for early and individualized treatment of patients. Furthermore, several CMR characteristics, such as the presence of extensive LGE or abnormal mapping values, are emerging as prognostic markers, therefore helping to define patients' risk. Lastly new experimental CMR techniques are under investigation and might contribute to widen our knowledge in the field of CMPs. In this perspective, CMR appears an essential tool to be systematically applied in the diagnostic and prognostic work-up of CMPs in clinical practice. This review provides a deep overview of clinical applicability of standard and emerging CMR techniques in the management of CMPs.