Time-resolved three-dimensional contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography in patients who have undergone a

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Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Anatomical Reconstructions of the Human Cardiac Venous System using Contrast-computed Tomography of Perfusion-fixed Specimens
06:02

Anatomical Reconstructions of the Human Cardiac Venous System using Contrast-computed Tomography of Perfusion-fixed Specimens

Published on: April 18, 2013

Hyun Woo Goo1, Dong Hyun Yang, In-Sook Park

  • 1Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea. hwgoo@amc.seoul.kr

Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging : JMRI
|March 6, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Time-resolved 3D MRA with diluted contrast agent effectively visualizes pulmonary circulation and lung perfusion in Fontan/BCPC patients. This imaging technique is useful for assessing flow dynamics and morphology post-surgery.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Imaging
  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Radiology

Background:

  • The Fontan operation and bidirectional cavopulmonary connection (BCPC) are complex surgical procedures for single-ventricle physiology.
  • Post-operative assessment of pulmonary circulation and lung perfusion is crucial for patient management.
  • Conventional imaging modalities may have limitations in fully characterizing these complex hemodynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the diagnostic utility of time-resolved three-dimensional (3D) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) using a diluted contrast agent (CA).
  • To assess the ability of this MRA technique to visualize pulmonary blood flow dynamics and morphology.
  • To determine its usefulness in evaluating lung perfusion in patients post-Fontan operation or BCPC.

Main Methods:

  • Time-resolved 3D MRA with parallel imaging and keyhole sampling was performed on 15 patients (median age 10 years) who had undergone Fontan (N=11) or BCPC (N=4).
  • A diluted gadolinium-based contrast agent was administered intravenously.
  • Assessment included pulmonary circulation, lung perfusion, and identification of potential complications.

Main Results:

  • Time-resolved 3D MRA successfully visualized pulmonary blood flow in all patients.
  • The technique identified central thoracic vein/pulmonary artery stenosis (N=4/6), systemic venous/arterial collaterals (N=5/6), and lung perfusion defects (N=4).
  • Abnormalities like persistent hepatic venous plexus and arteriovenous malformations/fistulas were also delineated.

Conclusions:

  • Time-resolved 3D MRA with diluted CA is a valuable tool for post-Fontan/BCPC patient evaluation.
  • It effectively reveals pulmonary circulation flow dynamics, morphology, and lung perfusion status.
  • This imaging approach aids in identifying post-surgical complications and assessing overall cardiovascular health.
Abstract

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