Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance in Cardiology Practice: A Concise Guide to Image Acquisition and Clinical Interpretation

Rev Esp Cardiol (Engl Ed). 2016 Feb;69(2):202-10. doi: 10.1016/j.rec.2015.11.011. Epub 2016 Jan 15.

Abstract

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance plays an increasingly important role in routine cardiology clinical practice. It is a versatile imaging modality that allows highly accurate, broad and in-depth assessment of cardiac function and structure and provides information on pertinent clinical questions in diseases such as ischemic heart disease, nonischemic cardiomyopathies, and heart failure, as well as allowing unique indications, such as the assessment and quantification of myocardial iron overload or infiltration. Increasing evidence for the role of cardiovascular magnetic resonance, together with the spread of knowledge and skill outside expert centers, has afforded greater access for patients and wider clinical experience. This review provides a snapshot of cardiovascular magnetic resonance in modern clinical practice by linking image acquisition and postprocessing with effective delivery of the clinical meaning.

Keywords: Cardiology; Cardiología; Cardiovascular magnetic resonance; Heart failure; Insuficiencia cardiaca; Miocarditis; Myocarditis; Resonancia magnética cardiovascular.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cardiac Volume
  • Cicatrix / diagnosis
  • Fibrosis / diagnosis
  • Heart Failure / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / methods
  • Magnetic Resonance Angiography / methods*
  • Myocarditis / diagnosis*
  • Myocardium / pathology*