Myocarditis
Myocarditis has a high prevalence, especially in young and middle-aged patients. It is the most important differential diagnosis in patients with acute cardiac disease and evidence for cellular injury (positive troponin). In clinical decision-making, it is important to rule in or rule out myocardial inflammation. While endomyocardial biopsy, which remains the gold standard to achieve an aetiopathogenetic diagnosis, can be helpful in patients with heart failure, it is less used in the majority of cases. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging has become the most efficient non-invasive diagnostic tool for patients with suspected myocarditis. Its unique value is based on the ability to identify inflammation and myocardial injury, in combination with an accurate assessment of ventricular volumes, as well as regional and global function. In many centres, myocarditis is the most frequent indication for CMR. The diagnostic criteria include markers for myocardial oedema, hyperaemia, and necrosis, while regional or global dysfunction and pericardial effusion serve as supportive criteria. Novel markers, such as quantitative mapping techniques, may allow for even better identification and classification of myocarditis.