MRI and echocardiography in children: how do they compare?

Semin Roentgenol. 1998 Jul;33(3):281-92. doi: 10.1016/s0037-198x(98)80009-6.

Abstract

Clearly, both echocardiography and MRI play vital roles in the diagnosis and management of children with congenital heart defects. 2-D Doppler echocardiography is very easy to use in a vast array of clinical situations. The accuracy of the anatomic and hemodynamic findings are well accepted. In comparative studies, 2-D Doppler echocardiography appears preferable for intracardiac anatomy, whereas MRI appears preferable for extracardiac anatomy. In certain patients, Doppler echocardiography may not be able to optimally obtain the anatomic or hemodynamic information, and MRI should be used in these particular cases.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Echocardiography*
  • Echocardiography, Doppler
  • Female
  • Heart Defects, Congenital / diagnosis*
  • Heart Defects, Congenital / surgery
  • Hemodynamics / physiology
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Cine
  • Pregnancy
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Ultrasonography, Prenatal