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"Pseudocoarctation" of the aorta: pitfall on cine MR imaging
S A Mirowitz1, J K Lee, F R Gutierrez
1Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110.
Journal of Computer Assisted Tomography
|September 1, 1990
Summary
Cine magnetic resonance imaging can misdiagnose coarctation of the aorta in healthy individuals due to motion artifacts. Recognizing these imaging pitfalls is crucial for accurate diagnosis and assessment of aortic coarctation severity.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Medical Diagnostics
- Radiology
Background:
- Coarctation of the aorta diagnosis relies on identifying aortic isthmus narrowing and signal voids on cine MRI.
- Artifacts can mimic coarctation findings, potentially leading to misdiagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate artifactual findings on cine MRI that resemble coarctation of the aorta in normal subjects.
- To improve the accuracy of diagnosing coarctation of the aorta.
Main Methods:
- Utilized cine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on 20 healthy volunteers.
- Examined subjects in the sagittal oblique view to assess for aortic narrowing and signal voids.
Main Results:
- Observed findings mimicking coarctation in 40% of normal volunteers (8 of 20).
- Identified out-of-plane motion and partial volume averaging with pulmonary air as causes of artifact.
- These artifacts were particularly noted in the sagittal oblique view.
Conclusions:
- Awareness of motion-related artifacts is essential to prevent misdiagnosis of coarctation of the aorta in normal individuals.
- Distinguishing true coarctation from artifacts allows for more precise severity assessment.