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Updated: Sep 10, 2025

Noninvasive Assessment of Cardiac Abnormalities in Experimental Autoimmune Myocarditis by Magnetic Resonance Microscopy Imaging in the Mouse
Published on: June 20, 2014
Multimodality Imaging in Eosinophilic Myocarditis: A Rare Cause of Heart Failure
Vincenzo Viccaro1, Amabile Valotta1, Elena Checcoli1
1Department of Cardiology, Cardiocentro Ticino Institute, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland.
Abstract:
Eosinophilic myocarditis (EM) is a rare and potentially fatal form of acute myocarditis. Currently, no validated diagnostic criteria exist, and definitive diagnosis relies on endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) not devoid of periprocedural complications. This review aims to explore how a multimodality imaging approach can support early diagnosis, reduce reliance on EMB, enable risk stratification and monitor the response to anti-inflammatory therapy. In particular, while echocardiography provides rapid and useful information in suspected EM, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) remains the non-invasive gold standard for diagnosis due to its ability to provide accurate tissue characterization. Moreover, positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) and cardiac CT (CCT) may offer valuable insights, particularly when echocardiographic image quality is poor or CMR is contraindicated or unavailable. Based on our experience and current literature, an optimal multimodality imaging approach should reserve EMB only for high-risk or inconclusive cases. Furthermore, this strategy offers complementary information, supporting clinical decisions and optimizing long-term outcomes.
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