[Study of aortic pathology using magnetic resonance]

Magnetic resonance (MR) can give static, dynamic and angiographic images of the lumen and wall of the aorta and its branches, avoiding interventional procedures or ionizing radiation. Except for hemodynamically unstable patients or patients with pacemakers, MR probably is the safest and more comprehensive diagnostic imaging technique for aortic disease. Selection of appropriate imaging protocols in every clinical setting is mandatory to obtain good diagnostic information. In this paper we describe the state of the art of aortic MR examination, discussing the advantages and limitations of various pulse sequences. In an overview of aortic disease, we describe the main MR imaging findings and a suited MR protocol for each of the common pathologic entities, comparing MR with other imaging techniques.