RadioGraphics, Vol 6, 177-188, Copyright © 1986 by Radiological Society of North America
Oblique magnetic resonance imaging of the cardiovascular system
KS Rholl, RG Levitt, HS Glazer, FR Gutierrez, WA Murphy, JK Lee, EM Geltman and RR Peterson
Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110.
This exhibit demonstrates that cardiac anatomy can be imaged by MRI in
oblique planes that are equivalent to views obtained radiographically or at
angiocardiography. These MR images may be obtained either by simple patient
positioning or by electronic rotation of the imaging axis. The advantages
of this technique include its simplicity and its ability to show detailed
anatomy noninvasively. Major cardiac structures including chambers, walls,
vessels and bronchi are optimally demonstrated in long axis or cross
section. This permits estimation of chamber volume, wall thickness, vessel
position and variations from normal. Smaller structures are also well
visualized. These include the pericardium, papillary muscles, azygos vein
and some cross sectional anatomy of the coronary arteries and veins. The
valvular structures can be shown during diastole or systole. The ability of
MRI to show these cardiac structures due to the intrinsic contrast
differences in signal intensity between muscle, fat, flowing blood and lung
suggest an important future for MR cardiac imaging in a broad group of
congenital and acquired diseases of the heart, pericardium and great
vessels.
