The role of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment of non-ischemic cardiomyopathy.

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) plays an increasing role in the assessment of patients with various cardiovascular disorders. Given its enhanced spatial resolution, improved tissue characterization, and lack of ionizing radiation, it has become the test of choice in the evaluation of patients with new-onset cardiomyopathy of unknown etiology. In this paper, we will review the role of CMR in the evaluation of patients with various types of non-ischemic cardiomyopathy.

Echocardiography of the mitral valve.

Mitral valve disease is the second most common valvular heart disease after the aortic valve worldwide. Mitral valve has historically been a structure of interest by pioneers in echocardiography. One of the earliest applications of echocardiography was in the diagnosis of valvular heart disease, particularly mitral stenosis.