Persistent truncus arteriosus MRI

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.

Additional Resources

 * Emma C. Ferguson, Rajesh Krishnamurthy, and Sandra A. A. Oldham. Classic Imaging Signs of Congenital Cardiovascular Abnormalities. RadioGraphics 2007 27: 1323-1334.
 * Joris P. A. Beerepoot, and Pamela K. Woodard. Case 71: Ebstein Anomaly. Radiology 2004 231: 747-751.