Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance for the Differentiation of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a common presentation encountered in clinical practice with a diverse range of potential aetiologies. Differentiation of pathological from physiological hypertrophy can be challenging but is crucial for further management and prognostication. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) with advanced myocardial tissue characterisation is a powerful tool that may help to differentiate these aetiologies in the assessment of LVH. RECENT FINDINGS: The use of CMR for detailed morphological assessment of LVH is well described. More recently, advanced CMR techniques (late gadolinium enhancement, parametric mapping, diffusion tensor imaging, and myocardial strain) have been used. These techniques are highly promising in helping to differentiate key aetiologies of LVH and provide valuable prognostic information. SUMMARY: Recent advancements in CMR tissue characterisation, such as parametric mapping, in combination with detailed morphological assessment and late gadolinium enhancement, provide a powerful resource that may help assess and differentiate important causes of LVH.