[Nuclear magnetic resonance in the diagnosis of aortic diseases]

The diagnostic value of nuclear magnetic resonance imaging was assessed in a number of aortic pathologies: aneurysms of the thoracic and abdominal aorta, sinus of Valsalva aneurysms and dissection of the aorta. The imager was equipped with a resistor magnet providing a field of 0.15 Tesla. An electrocardiographic gating system was perfected. The images obtained were very satisfactory as they provided three dimensional morphological information and a qualitative assessment of blood flow. Further studies are now required with comparison with other invasive and non-invasive diagnostic methods to determine the clinical role of NMR imaging and to evaluate the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of this new technique.