Ahmed Abdel Razek, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Hala Almarsafawy, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Nermain Soliman, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Adel Albadrawey, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Sameh Sameh, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To evaluate the role of contrast enhanced MR angiography (CE-MRA) & phase contrast MR imaging in patients with aortic coarctation.

Forty five patients (29 M, 16 F aged 1m-15years; mean=5ys) with aortic coarctation examined on 1.5 tesla MR unit (Symphony; Siemens). Ten of these patients were after surgery (n=5) or angioplasty (n=5). Bolus infusion of Gadolinium-DTPA was administrated in a dose of 0.4 ml mol/ kg BW after determining scanning delayed time with test bolus technique. Parameters used were: TR=4.5ms, TE=1.5ms, slice thickness=2mm, gap=2mm, NEX=1 & FA=30 degree. Flow measurement was performed for 30 patients using a non segmented phase contrast flow sequence (TR/Te=9.6/2.5msec). Analysis was done using Argus software with calculation of peak velocity across the narrowed region and collateral blood flow. Pressure gradient was calculated from the acquired data. Correlation of MR findings with Doppler echocardiogram & angiogram was done.

Contrast enhanced MR angiography revealed discrete (n=39) or diffuse tubular (n=6) narrowed region of the aorta associated with hypoplasia of the aortic arch (n=18) and aneurysm of the ascending aorta (n=3). There was good correlation between the narrowed segment measured on CE-MRA & angiography (r value= 0.96). CE-MRA was superior to angiography in delineation of collaterals. Pressure gradient calculated with phase contrast MR imaging correlated with that calculated with Doppler echocardiogram (r value=0.93). Collateral blood flow correlated with the severity of narrowed region (r value=0.95). Combined analysis of CE-MRA and phase contrast MR increased accuracy and specificity for diagnosis of aortic coarctation.

Combination of contrast enhanced MR angiography with phase contrast MR imaging in patients with aortic coarctation gives anatomical and functional information that are essential for planning of treatment. Also, they can be used for follow up of these patients after management.

Abdel Razek, A, Almarsafawy, H, Soliman, N, Albadrawey, A, Sameh, S, Aortic Coarctation: Anatomical and Functional Evaluation with Contrast-enhanced MR Angiography and Phase Contrast MR Imaging.  Radiological Society of North America 2005 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 27 - December 2, 2005 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2005/4404546.html