MR features of arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia is defined as a primary disorder of the right ventricle characterized by partial or total replacement of muscle by adipose or fibrous tissue. Its diagnosis currently rests on techniques that accurately identify specific anatomic and functional abnormalities of the right ventricle. To date, none of these methods (except for autopsy) are specific for right ventricular dysplasia although angiography of the right ventricle is considered to be the current gold standard. MR imaging shows promise in clarifying the diagnosis of right ventricular dysplasia. This pictorial essay describes our current technique for examining the right ventricular myocardium in patients thought to have this disease and illustrates the spectrum of abnormalities encountered in these patients.