Imaging Diastolic Dysfunction with Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance

Abstract

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) has high prevalence involving up to 55% of all patients with congestive heart failure. Cardiac imaging modalities play a central role in the evaluation of systolic and diastolic function, which is crucial in the diagnosis and management of HFpEF. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging has emerged over the last years and currently represents the gold standard in the quantification of systolic function. Its role in the characterization of diastolic function has not equally been established. Historically available techniques for diastolic function quantification such as myocardial tagging remain relatively time consuming, thereby limiting their clinical applicability. Recent advances in deformation quantification based on myocardial feature tracking from routine clinical standard sequences allow for easy and quick quantification of ventricular and atrial physiology. This report aims to review available CMR modalities for the evaluation of diastolic dysfunction including the latest advancements in the field with an emphasis on their potential future role and clinical implications.