Ebstein's anomaly of the tricuspid valve MRI

and Claudia P. Hochberg, M.D. [mailto:chochber@bidmc.harvard.edu]

Associate Editor-In-Chief: }; Keri Shafer, M.D. [mailto:kshafer@bidmc.harvard.edu] Priyamvada Singh, MBBS mailto:psingh@perfuse.org

Assistant Editor-In-Chief: Kristin Feeney, B.S. mailto:kfeeney@perfuse.org

Overview
Magnetic resonance imaging can be helpful as a diagnostic tool in conditions where the echocardiographic findings are inconclusive.

Magnetic resonance imaging
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used as a diagnostic modality in congenital heart diseases.

Advantages of using MRI are-


 * It can be used in cases where echocardiographic results are inconclusive.
 * Helps in measuring heart volumes, blood flow and ventricular wall thickness.
 * The magnetic resonance angiography helps in better visualization of heart vasculature
 * Phase velocity mapping helps in measuring the ratio of pulmonary to systemic blood flow (Qp:Qs).

Disadvantage-

For successful MRI procedure breath holding is required, which is sometimes difficult to achieve with small kids. Due to this, the procedure is done under general anesthesia in children.

Cardiac catheterization and hemodynamics
a) RA pressure usually not increased due to the fact that the RA is enlarged and compliant.

b) Normal RV pressures unless significant TR is present.

c) PA pressures are normal or slightly decreased due to TR and a large right-to-left shunt.

d) An ASD may be present