Late Gadolinium Enhancement Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging: From Basic Concepts to Emerging Methods.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) is a widely used cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique to diagnose a broad range of ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathies. Since its development and validation against histology already more than two decades ago, the clinical utility of LGE and its span of applications have increased considerably. METHODS: In this review we will present the basic concepts of LGE imaging and its diagnostic and prognostic value, elaborate on recent developments and emerging methods, and finally discuss future prospects. RESULTS: Continuous developments in 3 D imaging methods, motion correction techniques, water/fat-separated imaging, dark-blood methods, and scar quantification improved the performance and further expanded the clinical utility of LGE imaging. CONCLUSION: LGE imaging is the current noninvasive reference standard for the assessment of myocardial viability. Improvements in spatial resolution, scar-to-blood contrast, and water/fat-separated imaging further strengthened its position. KEY POINTS · LGE MRI is the reference standard for the noninvasive assessment of myocardial viability. · LGE MRI is used to diagnose a broad range of non-ischemic cardiomyopathies in everyday clinical practice.. · Improvements in spatial resolution and scar-to-blood contrast further strengthened its position. · Continuous developments improve its performance and further expand its clinical utility. CITATION FORMAT · Holtackers RJ, Emrich T, Botnar RM et al. Late Gadolinium Enhancement Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging From Basic Concepts to Emerging Methods. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2022; 194 491 - 504.