Assessment of ventricular function and mass by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging is currently the technique of choice for precise measurements of ventricular volumes, function and left ventricular (LV) mass. The technique is 3D and hence independent of geometrical assumptions; this, along with its excellent definition of endocardial and epicardial borders, makes it highly accurate and reproducible. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is particularly useful in research, as it is highly sensitive to small changes in ejection fraction and mass, and only a small number of subjects are required for a study. The excellent reproducibility makes temporal follow-up of any individual patient in the clinical setting a realistic possibility. This review examines the merits of CMR and describes the techniques used.