New imaging techniques in the treatment of myocarditis
What is myocarditis?
Myocarditis is the inflammation of the heart muscle, which is most commonly caused by viruses or other rarer causes. It usually manifests as chest pain or shortness of breath, but is often completely asymptomatic. It can cause serious cardiac complications, such as heart failure, dangerous arrhythmias or even death. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a key diagnostic tool in the medical field.
Who is affected and who is at risk?
It is difficult to say precisely the incidence of the disease in the general population. In addition to the fact that the disease is asymptomatic in a large percentage of patients, its diagnosis often escapes routine cardiological examination, unless it has reached an advanced stage.
It is worth noting that Covid-19 infection affects the myocardium at a rate of 10-15%, according to studies, and myocarditis from Covid-19 is a major cause of mortality and morbidity of the disease.
How is the diagnosis made and why is the magnetic heart examination necessary?
The magnetic heart examination is the only examination that can image the heart muscle, something like digital histology. The contrast agent used, gadolinium, detects the areas of the myocardium that have been affected and inflamed.
It is also the reference examination for the assessment of cardiac function and the volume of the heart chambers, very important elements in assessing the severity of myocarditis. The latest development in the field of magnetic imaging is T1 and T2 mapping of the myocardium.
What do we mean by the term T1 & T2 mapping?
Myocardial mapping is a modern imaging technique that exponentially increases the diagnostic and prognostic accuracy and value of magnetic resonance imaging. Instead of a qualitative assessment, the damage to the heart muscle is now quantified, using normal values.
Thus, the findings are now objectified and comparisons can be made between successive examinations of the patient. This allows for the optimal assessment of the progression of myocarditis over time, and therefore the correct therapeutic approach for the patient.
What is the procedure for magnetic resonance imaging?
This is a safe examination, without ionizing radiation, with a low dose of contrast agent and minimal contraindications, mainly implanted cardiac devices. Its duration is now limited to approximately 40 minutes and is very well tolerated.
No special preparation is required and the patient continues his/her activities normally after the examination.
Usually, repeat examinations are needed to monitor the course of the disease and its response to treatment.
Specialization and organized hospital structures:
Magnetic heart imaging is, by far, the most appropriate examination for the diagnosis and monitoring of myocarditis. It can direct the correct treatment of the patient, while the modern techniques used make it extremely diagnostic, reliable, safe and short.
Therefore, by monitoring global developments on a daily basis and with our ultra-modern biomedical equipment, specialization and experience as allies, we are able to offer the most personalized and high-quality health services.
