Review: Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance in the diagnosis and management of cardiac sarcoidosis

Abstract

Sarcoidosis is a relatively rare inflammatory condition which potentially carries high morbidity and substantial mortality. Due to the fact that it does not subject patients to ionizing radiation, has high temporal, spatial and contrast resolutions, cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) has become an important diagnostic and prognostic modality in the evaluation for cardiac involvement in this condition. This review provides relevant clinical and pathophysiological background on cardiac sarcoidosis, whilst detailing the role of CMR imaging in the diagnosis, and management of this condition.

Keywords: Cardiovascular magnetic resonance; Diagnosis; Heart failure; Late gadolinium enhancement; Prognosis; Risk stratification; Sarcoidosis; Ventricular tachycardia.