Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance in Myocarditis

Abstract

Myocarditis is an inflammatory disease of the myocardium, and its diagnosis remains challenging owing to a varying clinical presentation and broad spectrum of underlying aetiologies. In clinical practice, cardiovascular magnetic resonance has become an invaluable non-invasive imaging tool in the evaluation of patients with clinically suspected myocarditis, mainly thanks to its unique multiparametric tissue characterization ability. Although considered as useful, the method also has its limitations. This review aims to provide an up-to-date overview of the strengths and weaknesses of cardiovascular magnetic resonance in the diagnostic work-up of patients with clinically suspected myocarditis in a broad clinical context.