Unenhanced steady state free precession versus traditional MR imaging for congenital heart disease

To assess potential benefits of three dimensional (3D) steady state free precession (SSFP) magnetic resonance sequence for congenital heart disease (CHD).

Twenty consecutive patients with CHD (male:female ratio,14:6, mean age, 27.5 ± 8.5 years) underwent both 3D SSFP and traditional MR imaging (TMRI) [including two dimensional (2D) SSFP and contrast enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CEMRA)]. Image quality and diagnosis were compared, and Bland-Altman analysis was used to evaluate consistency of 3D SSFP and CEMRA for diameter measurements.

A total of 35 intra and 81 extra cardiac anomalies were identified in all patients. The image quality of 3D SSFP and TMRI for either intra or extra cardiac anomalies of all patients scored ≥3, which allowed an establishment of diagnosis for all cases. The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 3D SSFP for the detection of intra cardiac anomalies were all 100%, whereas for extra cardiac anomalies they were 93.8%, 93.8%, 100%, respectively. Mean differences (3D SSFP minus CEMRA) for aorta and pulmonary arteries were 0.5 ± 1.2 mm and 0.0 ± 1.7 mm, respectively, showing good consistency of 3D SSFP and CEMRA for diameter measurements.

3D SSFP MRI can be an alternative image modality to TMRI for patients with congenital heart disease, especially for those who have renal insufficiency, breath-hold difficulty or who are allergic to contrast agent. It can also provide powerful complementary information for patients who undergo TMRI, especially at ventriculoarterial connection site.