Role of Cardiovascular MRI in Patients with Ventricular Arrhythmias and Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) has not only a special value as a diagnostic tool, but also an increasing importance regarding therapeutic decision making in patients with ventricular arrhythmias and in the prevention of sudden cardiac death. Based on the current 2022 ESC guideline, this review discusses the role of CMR in this field of application with a special focus on dilated, hypertrophic, and arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy as well as on patients in the chronic stage after myocardial infarction. In addition, relevant basic MRI techniques and protocols are presented, as well as an outlook regarding expected study results and currently existing knowledge gaps.

Automated summary

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is not only valuable for diagnosis, but also increasingly important for therapeutic decision making and prevention of sudden cardiac death. This review discusses the role of CMR in ventricular arrhythmias, focusing on dilated, hypertrophic, and arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, as well as post-myocardial infarction patients in the chronic stage. It also presents relevant MRI techniques, protocols, expected study results, and knowledge gaps.