Parametric techniques for characterizing myocardial tissue by magnetic resonance imaging (part 1): T1 mapping. / Técnicas paramétricas de caracterización tisular del miocardio mediante resonancia magnética (parte 1): mapas de T1.

The development of myocardial fibrosis is a common process in the appearance of ventricular dysfunction in many heart diseases. Magnetic resonance imaging makes it possible to accurately evaluate the structure and function of the heart, and its role in the macroscopic characterization of myocardial fibrosis by late enhancement techniques has been widely validated clinically. Recent studies have demonstrated that T1-mapping techniques can quantify diffuse myocardial fibrosis and the expansion of the myocardial extracellular space in absolute terms. However, further studies are necessary to validate the usefulness of this technique in the early detection of tissue remodeling at a time when implementing early treatment would improve a patient's prognosis. This article reviews the state of the art for T1 mapping of the myocardium, its clinical applications, and its limitations.

Parametric methods for characterizing myocardial tissue by magnetic resonance imaging (part 2): T2 mapping.

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging is considered the reference technique for characterizing myocardial tissue; for example, T2-weighted sequences make it possible to evaluate areas of edema or myocardial inflammation. However, traditional sequences have many limitations and provide only qualitative information. Moreover, traditional sequences depend on the reference to remote myocardium or skeletal muscle, which limits their ability to detect and quantify diffuse myocardial damage. Recently developed magnetic resonance myocardial mapping techniques enable quantitative assessment of parameters indicative of edema. These techniques have proven better than traditional sequences both in acute cardiomyopathy and in acute ischemic heart disease. This article synthesizes current developments in T2 mapping as well as their clinical applications and limitations.

[Extrahepatic aneurysm of the portal vein. Apropos of 2 cases]. / Aneurisma extrahepático de la vena porta. A propósito de dos casos.

Aneurysms of the portal vein are rare and their origin remains under discussion. They may be intra or extrahepatic and in some patients previous history of portal hypertension may be reported. Nonetheless, numerous cases of congenital origin have been observed in which no factors determining their formation have been found. Two cases of portal aneurysms of extrahepatic localization who were accidentally found in patients with no history of portal hypertension or other known etiologic factors are presented.