MR imaging: A better way to understand complex congenital heart diseases

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is an excellent though not well-established diagnostic modality for complex congenital cardiac abnormalities. Precise three-dimensional reconstruction of the heart is achieved with composites of multiple MR sections. Its high level of accuracy makes MR imaging a tremendously useful tool in clinical workup and diagnosis, particularly when conventional modalities are inconclusive. The authors present six to eight complex cases for which MR imaging information was equal or superior to that of conventional radiographic studies. Angiography was sometimes unnecessary, and MR imaging served as the primary diagnostic modality. They also discuss scanning sequences, projections, and management in pediatric patients