Magnetic resonance imaging of thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection.
MRI is an extremely useful technique for the evaluation of the thoracic aorta. It provides a comprehensive evaluation of all the important structures within the chest and allows for high-resolution imaging of both the aortic lumen and the wall itself. As such, it is a sensitive method for delineating the extent of disease, branch-vessel involvement, and superimposed complications. Technical advances, such as stepped-table MRA and bolus-timing strategies, continue to improve overall image quality. In addition, the recent development of blood-pool contrast agents may further impact the diagnostic yield. Given these facts, MRI is likely to remain a mainstay in this patient population for years to come.
Roberts
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Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104-4283, USA.
D000784:Aortic Dissection / Q000175:diagnosis*; D001013:Aorta, Thoracic / Q000473:pathology; D017545:Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003287:Contrast Media; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005682:Gadolinium; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D019028:Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Cine
D003287:Contrast Media; D005682:Gadolinium