Published in:
Open Access
01-03-2018 | Cardiac PET, CT, and MRI (F Pugliese and SE Petersen, Section Editors)
Myocardial Extracellular Volume Quantification by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance and Computed Tomography
Authors:
Paul R. Scully, Gorka Bastarrika, James C. Moon, Thomas A. Treibel
Published in:
Current Cardiology Reports
|
Issue 3/2018
Login to get access
Abstract
Purpose of review
This review article discusses the evolution of extracellular volume (ECV) quantification using both cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) and computed tomography (CT).
Recent findings
Visualizing diffuse myocardial fibrosis is challenging and until recently, was restricted to the domain of the pathologist. CMR and CT both use extravascular, extracellular contrast agents, permitting ECV measurement. The evidence base around ECV quantification by CMR is growing rapidly and just starting in CT. In conditions with high ECV (amyloid, oedema and fibrosis), this technique is already being used clinically and as a surrogate endpoint. Non-invasive diffuse fibrosis quantification is also generating new biological insights into key cardiac diseases.
Summary
CMR and CT can estimate ECV and in turn diffuse myocardial fibrosis, obviating the need for invasive endomyocardial biopsy. CT is an attractive alternative to CMR particularly in those individuals with contraindications to the latter. Further studies are needed, particularly in CT.