Assessment of myocardial fibrosis with cardiovascular magnetic resonance

J Am Coll Cardiol. 2011 Feb 22;57(8):891-903. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2010.11.013.

Abstract

Diffuse interstitial or replacement myocardial fibrosis is a common feature of a broad variety of cardiomyopathies. Myocardial fibrosis leads to impaired cardiac diastolic and systolic function and is related to adverse cardiovascular events. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) may uniquely characterize the extent of replacement fibrosis and may have prognostic value in various cardiomyopathies. Myocardial longitudinal relaxation time mapping is an emerging technique that could improve CMR's diagnostic accuracy, especially for interstitial diffuse myocardial fibrosis. As such, CMR could be integrated in the monitoring and therapeutic management of a large number of patients. This review summarizes the advantages and limitations of CMR for the assessment of myocardial fibrosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cardiomyopathies / diagnosis
  • Cardiomyopathies / pathology*
  • Contrast Media
  • Female
  • Fibrosis / pathology
  • Humans
  • Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Male
  • Radiographic Image Enhancement*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Severity of Illness Index

Substances

  • Contrast Media