Transposition of the great vessels MRI


 * Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Priyamvada Singh, M.B.B.S. [mailto:psingh@perfuse.org]; ; Keri Shafer, M.D. [mailto:kshafer@bidmc.harvard.edu]; Assistant Editor(s)-In-Chief: Kristin Feeney, B.S. [mailto:kfeeney@perfuse.org]

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.