Novel non-invasive imaging techniques to detect cardiac fibrosis

Abstract

Fibrosis is an increase in collagen deposition. This increase in collagen production is induced by certain stimuli, such as increased cardiac workload. The formation of collagen in damaged myocardium can have detrimental effects on its function. Novel non-invasive techniques are necessary to accurately assess the amount of collagen in the heart muscle without excessive trauma to the patient. In this thesis, DynEq T1-mapping, T2* assessment, UTE imaging and T1rho-weighted CMR are being discussed as potential techniques that could provide these needs in the near future.