State of the Art in Cardiovascular T2 Mapping: on the Way to a Cardiac Biomarker?

AbstractPurpose of ReviewParametric mapping fosters the role of cardiovascular magnetic resonance in its unique capability to evaluate myocardial tissue without the use of contrast agents. While there is a large body of literature highlighting the role of T1 mapping, the role of T2 mapping is less clear. This review aims to address the latest evidences for added clinical value of T2 mapping.Recent FindingsT2 mapping shows superior diagnostic accuracy in myocarditis, transplant rejection, and cardiac involvement in lupus erythematosus. Moreover, T2 values predict major adverse cardiovascular events in myocarditis and enable therapy monitoring in lupus erythematosus as well as after heart transplantation. In ischemic cardiomyopathy, T2 mapping discriminates acute from chronic injury and provides additional information for patient risk stratification.SummaryT2 mapping provides a robust, quantifiable non-contrast-enhanced myocardial biomarker. However, there is no standardization in acquisition protocols, which formulates the future need for standardization ahead of multi-center trails.
Source: Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports - Category: Radiology Source Type: research