Related Experiment Videos
[MRI of aortic arch anomalies in children. Initial results]
T Mamou Mani1, D Lallemand, F Brunelle
1Service de Radiologie, Hôpital des Enfants-Malades, Paris.
Insights
This study defines a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol for evaluating infant aortic arch anomalies. MRI proved effective, offering an alternative to digital angiography for diagnosing these vascular malformations.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Radiology
Context:
- Infants with respiratory disorders often present with suspected aortic arch anomalies.
- Barium swallow studies can suggest vascular malformations but lack detailed anatomical information.
- Accurate diagnosis of aortic arch anomalies is crucial for appropriate pediatric care.
Purpose:
- To define an optimized magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) investigation protocol for infants with suspected aortic arch anomalies.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of MRI in precisely determining the anatomy of vascular malformations and their relationship with adjacent structures.
- To assess MRI as a potential alternative to preoperative digital angiography.
Summary:
- A prospective study involving 7 infants utilized a tailored MRI protocol including sedation, infant-sized coils, and specific sequences (T1-weighted, ECG-gated).
- The protocol enabled precise anatomical definition of aortic arch anomalies, including their relationship to the trachea and esophagus.
- MRI was identified as a highly effective diagnostic tool for these anomalies in infants.
Impact:
- The defined MRI protocol can serve as a valuable, non-invasive imaging technique for pediatric patients.
- MRI offers a viable alternative to digital angiography, potentially reducing radiation exposure and risks associated with invasive procedures.
- Further research is needed to establish definitive indications for MRI in conjunction with other diagnostic modalities like chest X-ray and barium swallow.
Abstract:
A prospective study by nuclear magnetic resonance in 7 infants with respiratory disorders and with a barium swallow suggestive of anomalies of the aortic arch was conducted. It allowed the definition of an investigation protocol including sedation, RF coil adapted to infants size, naso-gastric tube placement, thin MR sections. Sequences are T1 weighted with ECG gating in two perpendicular frontal oblique and transverse oblique planes determined on a scout sagittal MR acquisition. Precise determination of the anatomy of the vascular malformation and its relationship with the trachea and esophagus were obtained. After definition of the investigation protocol, MRI was found to be a very effective evaluation technique for aortic arch anomalies. It can be proposed as an alternative to preoperative digital angiography. Its indications remain to be defined in relation to the clinical features and the results of the chest X-ray and barium swallow.