This study evaluated the ability of T1 and T2 mapping cardiovascular magnetic resonance to assess myocardial involvement in Takotsubo syndrome (TTS). We hypothesized that non-contrast mapping techniques can be accurate and sufficient. We prospectively analysed 30 patients with TTS and 34 controls. CMR was performed a mean 5 days after the onset of symptoms and after a mean 3 month follow-up. On admission, compared to controls, TTS patients had significantly higher global T2 values (59 ± 8 ms vs 51 ± 4 ms, p < 0.001), native T1 (1053 ± 75 ms vs 960 ± 61 ms, p < 0.001) and extracellular volume (ECV) fraction (29% ± 5 vs 23% ±3, p < 0.001). The sensitivity and specificity for T2 (cut off: 56 ms) were 62% and 97% respectively; for native T1: (cut off 1011 ms) were 72% and 91% respectively; and for ECV (cut off: 27%) were 72% and 97% respectively. Combining T2 and native T1 provided the best sensitivity (91.7%) with a good specificity (88.2%). No patients had late gadolinium enhancement. Segmental analysis showed that T2, native T1 and ECV values were significantly higher in regions with wall motion abnormalities (WMA) compared to normokinetic segments (62 ± 9 ms vs 55 ± 5 ms, p < 0.001; 1060 ± 65 ms vs 1025 ± 56 ms, p = 0.02; and 34% ± 5 vs 29% ± 1, p = 0.02). At follow up, native T1 and ECV values did not normalized. In TTS patients, a non-contrast mapping technique provides a high diagnostic accuracy allowing identification of acute and persistent myocardial injury. Segmental analysis showed that myocardial injury is preferably detected in segments with WMA. •Non-contrast mapping technique allows non-invasive quantification of acute myocardial injury in Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.•Native T1 mapping could diagnose persistent inflammation in TC.•Segments with wall motion abnormalities are more involved by the acute process than normokinetic segments.