MRI myocardial tagging.

MRI myocardial tagging is now a well-developed method for evaluation of regional myocardial contraction. A series of progressively more refined imaging strategies, combined with advances in analytic strategies have provided a strong armamentarium of methods. Important insights into normal human physiology of left ventricular systolic and diastolic function have been developed using one-dimensional, two-dimensional and three-dimensional analyses of myocardial deformation. In disease states, improved understanding and detection of early alterations in myocardial function in hypertensive heart disease has been possible. In addition, improved understanding of effects of ischemia and infarction on regional function has been possible. Further, after acute myocardial infarction, clearer definition of the natural history of contractile dysfunction in the infarct region and the zone adjacent to the infarct have been possible. Similarly, effects on regional function of a number of important pharmacologic agents used for treatment, such as angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, beta blockers and angiotensin receptor blockers have been characterized. In the cardiomyopathies, myocardial tagging has permitted more reliable assessment of heterogeneity of segmental function, especially in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Finally, initial applications of myocardial tagging to assessment of right ventricular regional function in hypertrophied hearts with and without major congenital abnormalities have generated advances in understanding of effects of hypertrophy on right ventricular function.J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 1999;10:609-616.