T 1 Mapping Techniques in Assessment of Ventricular Stiffness

Myocardial fibrosis is a fundamental process in the development of heart failure and can be quantified by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging with T 1 mapping techniques. By measuring post-contrast myocardial T 1 time and obtaining invasively determined ventricular pressure-volume data, a mechanistic link between diffuse myocardial fibrosis and increased ventricular stiffness has recently been identified. The capacity to non-invasively evaluate diffuse myocardial fibrosis may enhance our understanding of cardiac diseases and facilitate trials of novel therapies.