Role of T1 Mapping in Inherited Cardiomyopathies

T1 mapping by cardiovascular magnetic resonance is a rapidly evolving method for the quantitative assessment of tissue characteristics in cardiac disease. The myocardial T1 time can be measured without contrast (native T1) or following the administration of intravenous gadolinium-based contrast agent (post-contrast T1). By combining both of these measures, the myocardial extracellular volume fraction can be approximated. This value has been validated histologically in various inherited cardiomyopathies. Due to overlapping phenotypes, the diagnosis of inherited cardiomyopathy can at times be challenging. In this article we discuss when T1 mapping may be a useful tool in the differential diagnosis of cardiomyopathy. We also present evidence of when T1 mapping provides incremental risk stratification over other biomarkers.