State of the Art and New Advances: Cardiac MRI

Abstract

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (CMR) is an advanced imaging modality for better assessment of cardiac structure, function and tissue characterization. This is an essential imaging modality when indicated for assessment of a variety of cardiomyopathies, cardiac ischemia, myocardial viability, arrhythmias, cardiac masses, congenital heart disease, shunts, acute and constrictive pericardial diseases among others. CMR is sometimes referred to as the non-invasive biopsy given the significant information it provides. This chapter discusses the current state of the art of CMR with discussion about the indications, common sequences used, and the role of CMR in evaluation of ischemic and non-ischemic cardiac disease. This chapter also discusses new advances and the future of the field of CMR.