Aortic dilatation in Turner syndrome: the role of MRI in early recognition.
BACKGROUND
Aortic dilatation and dissection are rare but important complications of Turner syndrome that increase the risk of sudden death in young patients.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the value of aortic MRI in patients with Turner syndrome; in particular to demonstrate early aortic dilatation.


METHODS
A total of 21 patients with Turner syndrome underwent MRI of the thoracic aorta with measurement of vessel diameter at four levels.


RESULTS
Measurements were normal for age in 15 cases, two patients presented with values at the upper limit of normal and four had obvious dilatation of the ascending aorta. All were symptom free.


CONCLUSIONS
MRI allows the non-invasive demonstration of early aortic dilatation, which may lead to earlier surgery in asymptomatic individuals.
Chalard
François
F
Department of Paediatric Radiology, Saint Vincent de Paul Hospital, 82 avenue Denfert Rochereau, 75674, Paris Cedex 14, France.
Ferey
Solène
S
Teinturier
Cécile
C
Kalifa
Gabriel
G
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001013:Aorta, Thoracic; D001018:Aortic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004108:Dilatation, Pathologic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D014424:Turner Syndrome / Q000150:complications*