The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Vol 92, 1088-1095, Copyright © 1986 by The American Association for Thoracic Surgery and The Western Thoracic Surgical Association
The potential of magnetic resonance imaging for the evaluation of thoracic arterial diseases
GC Dooms and CB Higgins
Fifty-three patients with a variety of thoracic aortic or pulmonary
arterial diseases were evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging to determine
the potential of this new technique for the diagnosis of thoracic vascular
disease. Direct visualization of the atherosclerotic plaques and
demonstration of their precise location and extent was achieved by magnetic
resonance imaging. The size and extent of the aneurysms and the presence of
mural thrombus were demonstrated by magnetic resonance imaging. Magnetic
resonance imaging identified the intimal flap and indicated the proximal
extent of thoracic aortic dissection. Magnetic resonance imaging permitted
direct visualization of thrombi and aneurysm of the pulmonary arteries. In
conclusion, magnetic resonance imaging appears to be a totally noninvasive
and reliable technique for demonstration of various pathologic processes
involving the thoracic aorta and pulmonary arteries. Vascular imaging is
achieved without the need for contrast media.