title: Choosing Between MRI and CT Imaging in the Adult with Congenital Heart Disease.
abstract: Improvements in the outcomes of surgical and catheter-based interventions and medical therapy have led to a growing population of adult patients with congenital heart disease. Adult patients with previously undiagnosed congenital heart disease or those previously palliated or repaired may have challenging echocardiographic examinations. Understanding the distinct anatomic and hemodynamic features of the congenital anomaly and quantifying ventricular function and valvular dysfunction plays an important role in the management of these patients. Rapid advances in imaging technology with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography angiography (CTA) allow for improved visualization of complex cardiac anatomy in the evaluation of this unique patient population. Although echocardiography remains the most widely used imaging tool to evaluate congenital heart disease, alternative and, at times, complimentary imaging modalities should be considered. When caring for adults with congenital heart disease, it is important to choose the proper imaging study that can answer the clinical question with the highest quality images, lowest risk to the patient, and in a cost-efficient manner.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
authors.forename: Crystal
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bonnichsen
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA. ammash.naser@mayo.edu.
authors.forename: Naser
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ammash
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000072226:Computed Tomography Angiography / Q000191:economics; D003330:Coronary Vessel Anomalies / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004452:Echocardiography / Q000191:economics; D006330:Heart Defects, Congenital / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000191:economics / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography / Q000191:economics
keywords: Cardiac imaging; Computed tomography angiography; Congenital heart disease; Magnetic resonance imaging