MR imaging of congenital anomalies of the aortic arch

Eighteen patients with congenital aortic arch anomalies were evaluated by ECG-gated MR imaging. Transverse images encompassing the heart and thoracic aorta were available in all patients; sagittal or coronal studies were available in 12 patients. Visualization of the aortic arch, its orientation, and the origin and course of the arch vessels was assessed. Associated intracardiac abnormalities were noted, and the effect of aberrant vessels on the trachea or esophagus was determined. Thirteen patients had a right aortic arch. Mirror-image branching was found in 10 cases, and an aberrant left subclavian artery was found in three of these. Three patients had a left aortic arch with aberrant right subclavian artery, and two patients had a double arch. Tracheal compression caused by vascular rings was found in two patients with respiratory symptoms. Corroborating studies (angiography, surgery, CT, and autopsy) in 16 patients confirmed the MR diagnoses in all but one. We conclude that MR could substitute for other techniques as an effective, noninvasive method for the evaluation of congenital aortic arch anomalies.