[Cardiac magnetic resonance tomography in the diagnostics of restrictive and unclassified cardiopathies].

CLINICAL/METHODICAL ISSUE: Besides ischemic heart disease cardiomyopathies are common causes of heart failure and sudden cardiac death.

STANDARD RADIOLOGICAL METHODS

The diagnostic spectrum in cardiomyopathies comprises non-invasive and invasive examination techniques.

METHODICAL INNOVATIONS

The exact verification of certain cardiomyopathies necessitates knowledge of the latest classification of cardiomyopathies as well as dedicated examination protocols.

PERFORMANCE

Modern imaging modalities, such as echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have emerged as useful imaging tools in the investigation of patients suspected of having many different types of cardiomyopathies.

ACHIEVEMENTS

Based on a better understanding of the underlying pathophysiology several diagnostic criteria have been defined using cardiac MRI. In particular there is an increasing importance of cardiac MRI in the description of patients with restrictive and unclassified cardiomyopathies.

PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS

Echocardiography still remains the modality of choice in the diagnostics of unclear left ventricular heart failure. Further diagnostic work-up should include cardiac MRI in case of any lack of clarity.