[Non-invasive diagnosis of atrial septal defects and anomalous pulmonary venous return using magnetic resonance tomography]

The present study was to evaluate the diagnostic information that may be obtained in patients with atrial septal defect (ASD) and/or with anomalous pulmonary venous return using spin echo and gradient echo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The interatrial septum and pulmonary veins were studied in 31 patients and in 16 healthy volunteers. In all patients cardiac anatomy and dilatation due to right-sided volume overload was well depicted. In 87% of the patients examined by spin echo technique and in 100% of the patients examined by gradient echo technique the defect was reliably documented. All cases of anomalous pulmonary venous return were shown. MRI diagnosis of ASD was improved by combined use of spin echo and gradient echo techniques. The new MRI sequence was particularly helpful in patients with small ASDs and anomalous pulmonary venous return.