title: Contrast-enhanced MR angiography of thoracic vascular malformations in children.
abstract: To plan an effective management of thoracic vascular malformations, clinicians must have a clear understanding of the anatomy. Although echocardiography and angiography are the leading imaging modalities in patients with congenital cardiovascular anomalies, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and computed tomography (CT) are valuable noninvasive adjuncts. MR imaging and CT are effective in demonstrating the complex extracardiac morphology and yield helpful information that can change the treatment plan. Although recent reports state the usefulness of multidetector CT (MDCT), in terms of pediatric population, the significance of radiation exposure should be taken into account. Thus, contrast enhanced MR angiography, as a guide in planning surgery, seems to be the best alternative to conventional angiography in the diagnosis of congenital vascular malformations. In this review, the diagnostic features of thoracic vascular malformations in pediatric population are discussed, and, the potential uses of contrast-enhanced MR angiography are emphasized with the retrospective evaluation of imaging findings in 114 examinations.
authors: Ankara University, School of Medicine, Department of Radiology, Ibn-i Sina Hospital, 06100 Sihhiye, Ankara, Turkey. sfitoz@yahoo.com
authors: Suat
authors: S
authors: Fitoz
authors: Nuray
authors: N
authors: Unsal
authors: Mustafa
authors: M
authors: Tekin
authors: Ercan
authors: E
authors: Tutar
mesh_terms: D000015:Abnormalities, Multiple / Q000175:diagnosis*; D000293:Adolescent; D001013:Aorta, Thoracic / Q000002:abnormalities*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D011667:Pulmonary Veins / Q000002:abnormalities*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D014683:Vena Cava, Superior / Q000002:abnormalities*
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media