Magnetic resonance imaging of vascular rings

This case report illustrates the ability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to define the abnormal aortic anatomy associated with a vascular ring malformation. After a brief review of the clinical and pathologic aspects of vascular rings, the unique characteristics of MRI that make it particularly well suited for cardiovascular imaging are discussed. A comparison between MRI and other currently used imaging modalities emphasizes their differences and indicates some of the advantages of MRI of the cardiovascular system. We recommend MRI as the technique of choice for patients suspected of having a vascular ring and predict that MRI will play an important role in the diagnosis of cardiovascular abnormalities in the future.