Keywords: Cardiovascular: Cardiac, Contrast mechanisms: Relaxometry, Image acquisition: Quantification
Myocardial parametric mapping has expanded the diagnostic potential of CMR for a wide range of cardiovascular diseases. While conventional tissue characterization techniques rely on relative variations in signal intensity to detect abnormalities, parametric mapping provides pixel-wise quantification of relaxation times on absolute scales. This enables the characterization of non-focal cardiomyopathies, as well as intra/inter-subject analysis. T1, T2 and ECV mapping sequences are routinely used in clinical protocols, and new biomarkers are emerging to avoid using contrast agents. Solving challenges like long scan time, susceptibility to artifacts and lack of standardization is essential to promote their application in clinical practice.