Newer modalities for imaging nonischemic cardiomyopathy

Abstract

Cardiomyopathies are practically classified as either ischemic or nonischemic based on the presence or absence of coronary artery disease. Although conventional two-dimensional echocardiography can assess left ventricular ejection fraction, wall motion, and diastolic function, it does not fully capture myocardial mechanics or tissue characterization, and does not accurately identify patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICMP) at risk for sudden cardiac death. This article discusses advanced imaging modalities for assessment of NICMP, namely, three-dimensional echocardiography, strain imaging, cardiac magnetic resonance, cardiac computed tomography, and sympathetic innervation imaging.