Modern Imaging of Myocarditis: Possibilities and Challenges

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Myocarditis, a "chameleon" cardiac disease, presents diagnostic challenges due to variable symptoms and progression.
• It is a leading cause of sudden cardiac death in young adults and a precursor to dilated cardiomyopathy.
• Current diagnostic methods (clinical history, labs, ECG) have limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an interdisciplinary review of the state-of-the-art in myocarditis imaging.
• To summarize the diagnostic value of echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), cardiac computed tomography (CT), and nuclear medicine.
• To highlight novel imaging techniques for future diagnosis.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on myocarditis imaging modalities.
• Inclusion of echocardiography, CMR, CT, and nuclear medicine.
• Focus on established and emerging imaging tools.

Main Results:

• Various imaging modalities are crucial for noninvasive myocarditis diagnosis.
• Echocardiography, CMR, CT, and nuclear medicine offer distinct diagnostic contributions.
• Emerging techniques show promise for improved accuracy and ease of diagnosis.

Conclusions:

• Advanced imaging is essential for diagnosing myocarditis.
• Novel imaging techniques are expected to enhance diagnostic capabilities.
• Accurate and early diagnosis through imaging is critical for patient outcomes.