Cancer Treatment-Related Cardiotoxicity: Role of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Cardiomyopathy is one of the most common cardiotoxic manifestations from cancer treatment. Clinically, identifying the presence or absence of cardiomyopathy has significant implications on the management of cancer patients. Decisions regarding the continuation, temporary stopping or permanent stopping of potentially life-saving cancer treatment are made based on the presence or absence of, the etiology of (i.e., whether it is a consequence of the cancer treatment or unrelated), and the severity of cardiomyopathy. Thus, it is critically important to use an imaging test that can reliably and accurately provide these data. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is ideally suited for this role—it provides the ability to assess ventricular function, morphology, valvular function, perfusion and tissue characterization all in one setting.