Metabolic imaging Nuclear magnetic resonance for the study of cardiac metabolism in diabetes

Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy is the only non invasive method, not involving exposure to radiation, that allows study of the cardiac metabolism, without the use of a tracer. In the past, most studies of cardiac metabolism were performed with spectroscopy, in different cardiac scenarios (ischemic cardiac diseases, heart failure, for example). This technique should be useful to evaluate and monitor cardiac energy metabolism in diabetes, too. In the future Magnetic Resonance Imaging show promise of becoming a ‘‘one – stop shop’’ for studying morphology, function, perfusion and metabolic activity by means of a single imaging technique. Heart Metab. 2009;45:15–19.