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Cardiac MR T1 and T2 Mapping

Quantitative myocardial tissue characterization technique.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Radyoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Cardiac MR T1 and T2 Mapping?

Cardiac MR T1 and T2 mapping is a quantitative tissue characterization technique that measures myocardial relaxation times pixel-by-pixel, generating parametric maps that reflect underlying tissue composition. Native T1, post-contrast T1, T2 and extracellular volume (ECV) fractions detect diffuse myocardial pathology not seen with conventional late gadolinium enhancement.

Elevated native T1 and ECV indicate fibrosis, infiltration or edema; reduced native T1 suggests fat or iron deposition. T2 mapping detects myocardial edema. Applications include cardiac amyloidosis, Anderson-Fabry disease, sarcoidosis, myocarditis, hemochromatosis and post-heart-transplant rejection surveillance.

Symptoms

Suspected infiltrative cardiomyopathy (amyloid, sarcoid, Fabry)
Acute myocarditis evaluation per Lake Louise criteria
Cardiac iron overload monitoring (T2*)
Diffuse myocardial fibrosis quantification
Heart transplant rejection surveillance
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with normal LGE
Anthracycline cardiotoxicity early detection

Risk Factors

Pacemaker or ICD without MR-conditional approval
Severe renal impairment (gadolinium contraindication)
Claustrophobia
Inability to perform breath-holds
Atrial fibrillation with poor ECG gating
Severe heart failure unable to lie supine
Metallic foreign body or non-MR-safe implants

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Suspected cardiac amyloidosis
  • Recent acute chest pain with normal coronaries
  • Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction workup
  • Family history of Anderson-Fabry disease
  • Hereditary hemochromatosis with cardiac involvement
  • Pre-transplant or post-transplant evaluation

Treatment Methods

01
Cardiology and cardiovascular imaging team coordination
02
MR-conditional device check and renal function assessment
03
Native T1 and T2 mapping at multiple short-axis levels
04
Gadolinium contrast administration if not contraindicated
05
Post-contrast T1 mapping at 15-20 minutes
06
Hematocrit-based ECV calculation
07
Comparison with site-specific normal ranges
08
Integration with LGE, function and clinical data
09
Endomyocardial biopsy reserved for non-conclusive cases

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Radyoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.