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The DFG (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft; German Research Council) has approved our grant application for a state-of-the art CT dedicated to cardiovascular research. With 50% support from the Federal State of Hesse this allows a 1.895.000 Euro investment into the Institute for Experimental and Translational Cardiovascular Imaging at the University Hospital Frankfurt (Goethe CVI). The CT will be run in close collaboration of Goethe CVi together with Radiology and Cardiology.

T1 mapping is a novel technique allowing to diagnose these diffuse conditions by measurement of T1 values, which directly correspond to variation in intrinsic myocardial tissue properties. In addition to providing clinically meaningful indices, T1-mapping measurements also allow for an estimation of extracellular space by calculation of extracellular volume fraction. Multiple lines of evidence suggest a central role for T1 mapping in detection of diffuse myocardial disease in early disease stages and complements late gadolinium enhancement in visualization of the regional changes in common advanced myocardial disease. As a quantifiable measure, it may allow grading of disease activity, monitoring progress, and guiding treatment, potentially as a fast contrast-free clinical application. Full paper...