Gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography in neonates and infants suspected of caval or aortic thrombosis.
BACKGROUND
Gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)is a well-established technique in older children and adults. No studies have focused on its use in neonates and small infants.


OBJECTIVE
Our objective was to study the use of gadolinium-enhanced MRA in neonates and infants suspected of caval or aortic thrombosis.


METHODS
Gadolinium-enhanced MR angiography was performed on seven neonates and small infants for the evaluation of caval or aortic thrombosis. Gadolinium-DTPA at a dose of 0.3 mmol/kg (minimum dose 1 ml) was injected using a power injector (0.2 ml/s). Contrast-enhanced MRA was performed using a 3-D, fast, radiofrequency spoiled gradient-echo sequence (TR/TE: 4.8/1.1, flip angle 45 degrees , matrix 256 x 128, slice thickness 2.6 mm interpolated to 1.3 mm, FOV variable, NEX=1.0).


RESULTS
Diagnostic-quality angiograms were obtained in all seven neonates. Superior vena cava thrombosis was identified in two neonates, and abdominal aortic thrombosis was present in one neonate.


CONCLUSIONS
It is practical to perform gadolinium-enhanced MRA in neonates weighing as little as 600 g for the detection of caval or aortic thrombosis.
Greenberg
S Bruce
SB
Arkansas Children's Hospital, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 800 Marshall Street, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA. greenbergsbruce@uams.edu
Bhutta
Sadaf T
ST
Buchmann
Robert F
RF
D001012:Aorta, Abdominal / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D003097:Collateral Circulation; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013479:Superior Vena Cava Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology
D003287:Contrast Media; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA