MRI determined tissue characterization of myocardial infiltration and fibrosis in cardiomyopathy

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (CMRI) is an important and valuable tool in the routine management of patients with cardiovascular disease. Contrast enhanced CMRI allows detection of ischemic and scarred myocardium, including rare infiltrative processes that cause cardiomyopathies. Amyloidosis comprises a group of diseases that are characterized by the extracellular deposition of insoluble fibrillar proteins in organs. The deposition of amyloid material in the heart leads to presentations of congestive heart failure mainly of the restrictive infiltrative pattern. There may be also conduction abnormalities. Dilated cardiomyopathy is a form of cardiomyopathy that is characterized by abnormal dilatation of the heart and subsequent heart failure. One of the characteristics of the cardiomyopathies and amyloidosis is the diffuse interstitial or replacement myocardial fibrosis. Myocardial fibrosis leads to impaired cardiac diastolic and systolic function and can lead to increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (CMRI) with contrast can be used to characterize the extent of myocardial fibrosis through T1 mapping and as such it can be used as a prognostic indicator in amyloidosis and dilated cardiomyopathy.

Grantor dc:publisher

Boston University

Year dc:date.issued

2012

Author dc:creator

• Ohaji, Chimela Tobechi

• Cardiomyopathy
• Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Dc Identifier Other

b38092074

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.bu.edu:2144/32041