Ahmed Abdel Razek, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Hala Almarsafawy, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Soha Romeah, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Abdel Basett Abdel Basett, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Maha Bilal, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Galal Elhawarey, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To assess pulmonary artery in pediatric patients with complex congenital heart disease with contrast enhanced three-Dimensional magnetic resonance angiography (CE-MRA).

CE-MRA was performed on 32 patients (median ages 4.7 years range 2 months to 15 years) for pulmonary artery abnormalities provisionally diagnosed or suspected on echocardiography. This study was conducted on 1.5 tesla MR unit (Symphony; Siemens). The scanning delay time was determined with test bolus technique. Bolus infusion of Gadolinium-DTPA was administrated in a dose of 0.4 ml mol/ kg BW. Parameters used were: TR=4.5ms, TE=1.5ms, slice thickness=2mm, gap=2mm, NEX=1 & FA=30 degree. Three dimensional images were reconstructed. Surgical confirmation was available in 23 patients. CE-MRA images correlated with angiocardiography

CE-MRA was superior to angiocardiography in revealing pulmonary artery stenosis, hypoplasia as well as absent & non confluent pulmonary arteries (sensitivity 95%, specificity 93%). There was correlation between diameter of pulmonary artery measured with CE-MRA & angiocardiography. (r value for right pulmonary artery was =0.91 & for left pulmonary artery was 0.86). CE-MRA was better for visualization the origin, size, number, course & insertion of collaterals as well as segmental & multifocal blood supply to the lung. Patency of the vascular shunt & conduits were better evaluated with CE-MRA than catheter. Using combined analysis of source images & three dimensional CE-MRA images diagnostic accuracy & specificity increased.

Contrast enhanced MR angiography is a fast, accurate non-invasive technique for pre-operative mapping of the pulmonary artery and delineation of collaterals & pulmonary blood supply in pediatric patients with complex congenital heart disease. So, CE-MRA can be considered a non invasive alternative for angiocardiography.

Abdel Razek, A, Almarsafawy, H, Romeah, S, Abdel Basett, A, Bilal, M, Elhawarey, G, Assessment of Pulmonary Artery in Pediatric Patients with Complex Congenital Heart Disease with Contrast-enhanced Three-dimensional Magnetic Resonance Angiography.  Radiological Society of North America 2005 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 27 - December 2, 2005 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2005/4404547.html