Myocardial T1 mapping: where are we now and where are we going?

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance offers noninvasive myocardial tissue characterization as a key unique strength over other imaging techniques. In particular T1, a tissue property that alters with disease, has gained prominence as a diagnostic tool. Prior to the administration of contrast, the native T1 changes with a number of processes such as fibrosis, edema, and infiltration. If a post-contrast scan is also acquired, the post-contrast T1 and extracellular volume fraction can be measured. Detecting and quantifying early and established myocardial pathological processes permits better diagnosis, prognostication, and tracking of therapy.