Quantification of Myocardial Deformation Applying CMR-Feature-Tracking—All About the Left Ventricle?

Abstract

Purpose of Review: Cardiac magnetic resonance-feature-tracking (CMR-FT)-based deformation analyses are key tools of cardiovascular imaging and applications in heart failure (HF) diagnostics are expanding. In this review, we outline the current range of application with diagnostic and prognostic implications and provide perspectives on future trends of this technique. Recent Findings: By applying CMR-FT in different cardiovascular diseases, increasing evidence proves CMR-FT-derived parameters as powerful diagnostic and prognostic imaging biomarkers within the HF continuum partly outperforming traditional clinical values like left ventricular ejection fraction. Importantly, HF diagnostics and deformation analyses by CMR-FT are feasible far beyond sole left ventricular performance evaluation underlining the holistic nature and accuracy of this imaging approach. Summary: As an established and continuously evolving technique with strong prognostic implications, CMR-FT deformation analyses enable comprehensive cardiac performance quantification of all cardiac chambers.