The role of cardiac MRI in congenital heart disease

Abstract

Cardiac MRI is a valuable and an accurate modality used in the evaluation of structure and function of the heart. It is increasingly considered as a useful non invasive examination in management of cardiovascular conditions, a situation resulting from significant advances in MR technologies. Evaluation of congenital heart disease is an important application of Cardiac MRI since the morphological details of chambers, septum, defects and anomalous connections are depicted accurately. Additionally, flow information across valves, chambers, outflow tracts and shunts are also provided. Its utility is further increased especially during follow up of patients after corrective surgery. This article reviews current state-of-the-art MRI application in common congenital heart diseases.