title: Cardiovascular magnetic resonance of cardiomyopathies.
abstract: Cardiomyopathies are a heterogeneous group of diseases of the myocardium associated with architectural abnormalities and mechanical dysfunction. Recent advances in our understanding of the genetics, pathophysiology, and natural history of these conditions has resulted in better diagnosis and management, leading to improvements in mortality. Major developments in imaging techniques, in particular contrast-enhanced MRI, now permit in vivo tissue characterization of the myocardium. Through defining disease severity, etiology, and to some extent in risk stratification, routine cardiovascular magnetic resonance evaluation of this group of patients provides essential information required in everyday clinical practice.
authors.affiliation: Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Unit, Royal Brompton Hospital, Sydney Street, London SW3 6NP, UK. s.prasad@rbht.nhs.uk.
authors.forename: Francisco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Alpendurada
authors.forename: Rory
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: O'Hanlon
authors.forename: Sanjay K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Prasad
mesh_terms: D009202:Cardiomyopathies / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D015203:Reproducibility of Results