Korean Circ J.  2019 Feb;49(2):146-159. 10.4070/kcj.2018.0246.

Recent Advances in Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging

• Lee SE
• Nguyen C
• Xie Y
• Deng Z
• Zhou Z
• Li D
• Chang HJ

• KMID: 2432132
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4070/kcj.2018.0246

Abstract

Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging provides accurate anatomic information and advanced soft contrast, making it the reference standard for assessing cardiac volumes and systolic function. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in CMR sequences. New technical development has widened the use of CMR imaging beyond the simple characterization of myocardial scars and assessment of contractility. These novel CMR sequences offer comprehensive assessments of coronary plaque characterization, myocardial fiber orientation, and even metabolic activity, and they can be readily applied in clinical settings. CMR imaging is able to provide new insights into understanding the pathophysiologic process of underlying cardiac disease, and it can help physicians choose the best treatment strategies. Although several limitations, including the high cost and time-consuming process, have limited the widespread clinical use of CMR imaging so far, recent advances in software and hardware technologies have made the future more promising.

Keyword

Cardiology; Magnetic resonance imaging; Cardiac magnetic resonance

MeSH Terms

Cardiac Volume
Cardiology
Cicatrix
Heart Diseases
Magnetic Resonance Imaging*

Figure

• 

  Figure 1 Representative image of diffusion tensor imaging (A) short-axis view of helix angle map and (B) tractography of the heart of a healthy mice, (C) diffusion image (left) and (D) corresponding helix angle map (right) of a patient with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

• 

  Figure 2 Representative images of chemical exchange saturation transfer in (A) a normal volunteer and (B) a patient with a history of acute myocardial infarction at right coronary artery. Arrow indicates the hypointensive segment corresponding to the inferior segment affected by acute myocardial infarction. AMI = acute myocardial infarction; RCA = right coronary artery.

• 

  Figure 3 Representative image of pre-contrast coronary atherosclerosis T1-weighted characterization with integrated anatomical reference in a patient with a coronary hyperintensive plaque in the mid left anterior descending artery.

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