Heart failure in patients with normal coronary anatomy: Diagnostic algorithm and disease pattern of various etiologies as defined by cardiac MRI

In a subgroup of patients with acute heart failure coronary artery disease can be excluded. To explain symptoms and optimize therapy cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging can contribute to elucidate the underlying pathology in non-ischemic heart disease. A diagnostic algorithm for the work-up of these patients using CMR is suggested. The review discusses various modules of a dedicated CMR protocol. It explains diagnostic markers and challenges of CMR imaging in non-ischemic heart disease. Based on these suggestions the literature in the field is reviewed.