Fast dynamic MRI of aortic dissection: flow assessment by subsecondal imaging

Radiat Med. 1999 Jan-Feb;17(1):9-14.

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate fast dynamic MRI, which consists of a subsecondal MRI sequence combined with a rapid contrast medium infusion technique, in examining clinical cases of aortic dissection.

Materials and methods: The subjects consisted of 27 patients with aortic dissection. Turbo-FLASH imaging of the aorta was conducted to obtain 50 image frames within 40 seconds.

Results: Recognition of the intimal flap and differentiation of the true channel from the false channel was easily accomplished in all 15 patients with a patent false channel. The entry site was detected in 13 of 15 patients. Differentiation of slow flow from thrombus in the false channel was possible in all 27 cases, and the relationship between the lesion and the main branches of the aortic arch was identified in 26 of 27 cases.

Conclusion: Fast dynamic MRI may provide a large amount of information that is useful for the diagnosis of aortic dissection.

MeSH terms

  • Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / diagnosis*
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / diagnosis*
  • Aortic Dissection / diagnosis*
  • Contrast Media
  • Female
  • Gadolinium DTPA
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Cine
  • Male
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Gadolinium DTPA