Pulmonary Artery Diameters in Children, Teenagers and Young Adults Derived from Quiescent Interval Slice Selective...

The radial Quiescent Interval Slice Selective (QISS) technique, which is used in cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), is a reliable, contrast-free technique for obtaining high-quality vascular images. It is distinguished by its safety, insensitivity to motion and arrhythmias, and its overall simplicity and adaptability. However, previously published studies assessing pulmonary artery (PA) dimensions in children have not yet incorporated this technique. CMR scans of 139 patients (95 males), aged 6 weeks - 20 years, with no evidence of PA disorders were analyzed. Main PA (MPA), right PA (RPA) and left PA (LPA) diameters and cross-sectional areas (CSA) were measured at three locations, respectively, using the radial QISS technique. CMR was most performed for aortic pathology (n = 80), followed by other congenital heart diseases (n = 15), cardiomyopathies (n = 14) and others (n = 30). Consistent decreases in vessel calibre from proximal to distal MPA, RPA and LPA segments were demonstrated. Males showed slightly larger PA diameters and CSA than females at all measured locations. Univariate regression analysis demonstrated highest associations with body height for most PA parameters. This study employed the radial QISS method to present data for PA diameters and CSA in children and young adults. These values may help to detect pulmonary vascular abnormalities and inform clinical decisions regarding intervention and management.