title: Role of CMR imaging in risk stratification for sudden cardiac death.
abstract: Left ventricular ejection fraction as determined by echocardiography has a limited sensitivity in predicting risk for sudden cardiac death (SCD). Subsequent efforts to improve cost-effectiveness of device implantation and identify a better risk-stratifying tool have been quite desirable. The presence of scar and myocardial tissue heterogeneity has been linked to ventricular arrhythmia, which is believed to be the major cause of SCD. Cardiac magnetic resonance is a noninvasive imaging modality that visualizes and quantifies scar, with growing evidence delineating its additive value in identifying patients at higher risk for SCD.
authors.affiliation: Heart and Vascular Institute, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA. wjaroudi@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Wael A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Aljaroudi
authors.forename: Scott D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Flamm
authors.forename: Walid
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Saliba
authors.forename: Bruce L
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Wilkoff
authors.forename: Deborah
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kwon
mesh_terms: D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D009202:Cardiomyopathies / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D016757:Death, Sudden, Cardiac / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable; D004554:Electric Countershock / Q000295:instrumentation; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009206:Myocardium / Q000473:pathology*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D013318:Stroke Volume; D016277:Ventricular Function, Left