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Magnetic resonance imaging of the pediatric thoracic aorta
1Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.
Insights
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is ideal for pediatric thoracic aorta anomalies. This review covers common aortic lesions like vascular rings and coarctation, and optimal MRI techniques for diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Radiology
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Medical Imaging Techniques
Background:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers excellent visualization of the pediatric thoracic aorta.
- Its multiplanar capabilities are crucial for assessing complex vascular anatomy and spatial relationships.
- Common pediatric aortic anomalies include vascular rings and coarctation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review common pediatric thoracic aorta anomalies investigated by MRI.
- To illustrate appropriate MRI techniques for diagnosing these conditions.
- To emphasize the importance of precise image prescription for optimal diagnostic information.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature and imaging techniques for pediatric thoracic aorta anomalies.
- Discussion of MRI's multiplanar capabilities in visualizing aortic structures.
- Illustration of common anomalies and their MRI appearances.
Main Results:
- MRI effectively demonstrates and quantifies pediatric aortic lesions.
- Vascular rings and coarctation of the descending aorta are frequently evaluated using MRI.
- Obstructive, aneurysmal, and positional aortic anomalies are well-visualized.
Conclusions:
- MRI is a valuable tool for diagnosing pediatric thoracic aorta anomalies.
- Appropriate selection of imaging techniques and precise image prescription are essential for diagnostic accuracy.
- This review provides guidance on current MRI approaches for pediatric aortic conditions.
Abstract:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an ideal imaging modality for investigating anomalies of the pediatric thoracic aorta. Its multiplanar capabilities allow imaging along anatomic or perpendicular planes, and clearly show the relationship between the great vessels and the airway structures. The most common pediatric aortic lesions investigated by MRI include vascular rings and coarctation of the descending aorta and its surgical complications. Other obstructive, aneurysmal, and positional anomalies of the aorta are readily demonstrated and quantified. However, precise image prescription is necessary to obtain optimal information. This review discusses and illustrates the common pediatric anomalies and current appropriate choices of imaging techniques.