MR imaging assessment of myocardial edema with T2 mapping

Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) provides a high signal-to-noise ratio, high spatial and temporal resolutions, as well as a delayed-enhancement sequence and is therefore considered a reference technique in the field of cardiac imaging. However, currently available sequences are not adequate to assess some pathologic conditions, such as myocardial edema. T2 mapping sequences generate parametric images that are based on the transverse relaxation time (T2) for each voxel. In case of edema, the T2 relaxation time is longer. This review summarizes current knowledge on CMR T2 mapping for assessing myocardial edema.