[Contribution of MRI to the diagnosis of double aortic arch]

The authors present a case of double aortic arch explored by MRI and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of MRI as compared to other noninvasive imaging methods, such as ultrasounds and digital angiography, in congenital pathology of the aorta. Because it provides good quality images, can explore the aorta in all three dimensions, has optimal vascular contrast without contrast injection and carries no risk, MRI is indispensable in all cases where ultrasonography finds its limitations. Besides, the subjective factor inherent in the operator is very small, and MRI is the best available method to study the relations between the aorta and the surrounding organs; this is particularly important in case of double aortic arch owing to compression of the neighbouring organs with, notably, stridor. However, the vascular map is less accurate than with angiography, and the cost, the problem of access to the machines and the long time required for acquisitions limit the use of MRI.