Multimodality imaging in diabetic heart disease

Diabetic heart disease is currently defined as left ventricular dysfunction that occurs independently of coronary artery disease and hypertension. Its underlying etiology is likely to be multifactorial, acting synergistically together to cause myocardial dysfunction. Multimodality cardiac imaging, such as echocardiography, nuclear, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, can provide invaluable insight into different aspects of the disease process, from imaging at the cellular level for altered myocardial metabolism to microvascular and endothelial dysfunction, autonomic neuropathy, coronary atherosclerosis, and finally, interstitial fibrosis with scar formation. Furthermore, cardiac imaging is pivotal in diagnosing diabetic heart disease. Thus, the aim of the present review is to illustrate the role of multimodality cardiac imaging in elucidating the underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms of diabetic heart disease. © 2011 Mosby, Inc.