Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is a non-invasive imaging technology, gradually playing an irreplaceable role in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. This review demonstrates the progress and research highlights of Chinese CMR publications of the last more than 30 years. At initial stage (1988 to 1997), CMR was introduced to evaluate cardiac anatomy, blood flow and ventricular function roughly in China. In the development stage (1998-2007), CMR began to play an important role in the diagnosis of cardiovascular and pericardial disease with the emergence of new techniques, such as myocardial perfusion imaging and magnetic resonance angiography. Since 2008, the development of CMR in China has reached a prosperous period. Cardiovascular disease can be both qualitatively and quantitatively assessment by CMR "one-stop" multi-parameter imaging, including the morphology, function, myocardial perfusion, tissue characteristics, metabolism and even the microstructure of myocardial fibers, which provides comprehensive assessment of the severity, risk stratification and prognosis of cardiovascular disease. Although CMR in China developed very rapidly in recent years, China still needs to put more efforts in CMR research and make greater contributions to the development of CMR in the world.
Keywords: Advances; Cardiovascular magnetic resonance; China; Clinical study; Preclinical study.