title: Magnetic resonance imaging in cardiomyopathies.
abstract: The emerging role of MRI for the understanding and treatment of cardiomyopathies cannot be overestimated. Establishing the diagnosis is generally possible by a single noninvasive MRI study. The follow-up examination is sensitive to even small changes. MRI data on ventricular morphology, volumes, and function are very reliable, and the use of MRI-derived end points in clinical studies may lead to a substantial decrease in subjects needed to test a given hypothesis. In addition to established approaches, MRI analysis of myocardial tissues should be the focus in future studies. If MR coronary angiography will be available in a routine clinical setting, a single MR study could provide a complete and comprehensive diagnostic procedure in patients with cardiomyopathies.
authors.affiliation: Franz-Volhard-Klinik, Charité, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany.
authors.forename: M G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Friedrich
mesh_terms: D009202:Cardiomyopathies / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*