Imaging Challenges in Athletes and Cardiomyopathies

Imaging plays a critical role in the prevention and assessment of sudden cardiac death in athletes and individuals with cardiomyopathies. Echocardiography is commonly used for initial evaluation, assessing myocardial contractility and providing important diagnostic information. CMR (cardiac magnetic resonance) is considered the gold standard for assessing ventricular function and volume, providing specific characterization and identification of potential fibrosis. Hypertrophic left ventricular hypertrophy, dilation of ventricles, and the differentiation between arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy and physiological adaptations are common clinical scenarios. Imaging techniques, such as speckle tracking analysis and tissue Doppler imaging, help evaluate these conditions, providing more accurate diagnoses, risk stratification, and prognosis assessment.