Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and ischaemic cardiomyopathies: What are the indications?

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) has much to offer to clinicians caring for patients with ischaemic heart disease. This article describes briefly the basic principles and practical aspects of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and summarises the pathophysiology of ischaemic heart disease. Then, it discusses in detail the use of CMR for detection of coronary artery disease, and for assessment of acute and stable coronary syndromes.