Practical approach to using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging for pre-surgical planning in complex paediatric...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Medical Imaging
• Pediatric Medicine

Background:

• Complex congenital heart disease (CHD) management demands integrated anatomic and physiologic data.
• Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has significantly improved diagnostic capabilities in CHD.
• Quantitative physiological data from MRI enhances understanding of cardiac function and flow.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current applications of cardiac MRI in CHD.
• To establish a practical framework for utilizing cardiac MRI data in complex CHD cases.
• To focus on four specific structural anomalies: borderline left ventricle, double outlet right ventricle, congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries, and Ebstein anomaly.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on cardiac MRI in congenital heart disease.
• Analysis of quantitative data derived from cardiac MRI, including volumetry and phase contrast assessment.
• Development of a practical framework for integrating MRI findings into clinical decision-making.

Main Results:

• Cardiac MRI provides detailed anatomic and crucial quantitative physiological information.
• Volumetry and phase contrast assessment offer valuable insights into cardiac function and blood flow.
• The review outlines a structured approach for applying MRI data to specific complex CHD conditions.

Conclusions:

• Cardiac MRI is a powerful tool for assessing complex congenital heart disease.
• Integrating MRI-derived anatomic and physiologic data improves decision-making in CHD.
• The proposed framework aids clinicians in managing patients with borderline left ventricle, double outlet right ventricle, cCTGA, and Ebstein anomaly.