Cardiac Magnetic Resonance T1-Mapping of the Myocardium: Technical Background and Clinical Relevance

J Thorac Imaging. 2018 Mar;33(2):71-80. doi: 10.1097/RTI.0000000000000270.

Abstract

Myocardial T1-mapping has become feasible over the past decade as emerging technological magnetic resonance imaging advances enable increasingly rapid and reliable acquisition techniques. A variety of T1-mapping sequences are in development, with most allowing for the acquisition of a single-slice T1-map in a single breath-hold. The development of these protocols has spurred investigation into a wide range of potential clinical uses, including the characterization of cardiomyopathies. Although native T1-mapping provides superior tissue characterization, postcontrast T1-mapping is still indispensable for extracellular volume quantification. Ongoing and future studies should investigate the reliability, reproducibility, accuracy, and precision of available techniques and establish disease-specific reference values for T1-mapping-based parameters.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Heart / diagnostic imaging*
  • Heart Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Myocardium
  • Reproducibility of Results