Imaging evaluation of postsurgical repair of aortic coarctation

MR imaging has proven useful for evaluation of coarctation of the thoracic aorta following surgical repair. However, the value of cine MR imaging in this situation has not been thoroughly evaluated. The authors have prospectively studied 20 teenage patients who had undergone repair of aortic coarctation during childhood (10 normotensive and 10 hypertensive). MR imaging was performed with a 1-T magnetom with electrocardiographic gating. T1-weighted and gradient-refocused echo images (FLASH [fast low-angle shot]; repetition time, 40 msec; echo time, 10 msec; flip angle, 40 degrees) were obtained in transaxial and oblique planes. Gradient-echo images were obtained as a multiphasic, single-level cine loop. The authors' data show the cine images provide unique information regarding postsurgical changes, particularly regarding flow disturbances at the operative site