Assessment of aortic morphology and compliance in children and adolescents with Ullrich-Turner syndrome (UTS) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the morphology and elastic properties of the aorta in children and adolescents with Ullrich-Turner syndrome (UTS) treated with growth hormone, by using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).


METHODS
Thirty-seven conscious UTS patients were examined using a 1.5-T whole-body MRI. Contrast-free three-dimensional (3D)-MR angiographies were performed, including 2D cine MRI, to calculate the aortic compliance (C) and cine of the aortic valve.


RESULTS
Changes of aortic morphology were evident in 40% of the patients, whereas six had more than one alteration. A bicuspid aortic valve was identified in three patients that were missed by previous echocardiography. The aortic compliances in UTS patients were similar to those in healthy persons.


CONCLUSIONS
This study shows that aortic morphology and compliance can be assessed by MRI without using contrast agents and without sedation in children and adolescents with UTS.
Carolin
C
Kneppo
Joachim G
JG
Eichhorn
Sebastian
S
Ley
Jens P
JP
Schenk
Matthias
M
Gorenflo
Markus
M
Bettendorf
D000293:Adolescent; D001011:Aorta / Q000473:pathology*; D001027:Aortography; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014424:Turner Syndrome / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*