Published in:
Open Access
01-01-2012 | ICIN
Monitoring cardiac fibrosis: a technical challenge
Authors:
S. de Jong, T. A. B. van Veen, J. M. T. de Bakker, H. V. M. van Rijen
Published in:
Netherlands Heart Journal
|
Issue 1/2012
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Abstract
The heart contains a collagen network that contributes to the contractility of the heart and provides cardiac strength. In cardiac diseases, an increase in collagen deposition is often observed. This fibrosis formation causes systolic and diastolic dysfunction, and plays a major role in the arrythmogenic substrate. Therefore, accurate detection of cardiac fibrosis and its progression is of clinical importance with regard to diagnostics and therapy for patients with cardiac disease. To evaluate cardiac collagen deposition, both invasive and non-invasive techniques are used. In this review the different techniques that are currently used in clinical and experimental setting are summarised, and the advantages and disadvantages of these techniques are discussed.