Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy – contribution of magnetic resonance imaging

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is one of the most common form of cardiomyopathies. It is characterized by primary hypertrophy, disorganization, and fibrosis of the myocardium. These morphological characteristics determine the applicability and significance of magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of these patients. Cardiac magnetic resonance helps the diagnostic process by identifying hypertrophic segments, which are less accessible by echocardiography ensures more precise measurements of wall thickness and differentiates HCM from other causes of left ventricular hypertrophy. The method allows for not only qualitative but also quantitive evaluation of focal and diffuse fibrosis which plays an important role in evaluation of patients’ prognosis and follow up. The aim of this article is to review the role of cardiac magnetic resonance in the diagnosis of HCM, demonstrating different forms and their typical morphological features, as well as to demonstrate the role of the method in the differential diagnosis of myocardial hypertrophy.