Coarctation of the aorta: collateral flow assessment with phase-contrast MR angiography.
Julsrud PR, Breen JF, Felmlee JP, Warnes CA, Connolly HM, Schaff HV
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this report is to describe a new use of MR
imaging in coarctation of the aorta. The specific question addressed was
how well collateral blood flow in intercostal arteries, as determined by
phase-contrast MR angiography, correlated with findings during surgery
or catheterization in patients with coarctation of the aorta. CONCLUSION:
Phase-contrast MR angiography is an excellent technique for detecting the
presence or absence of collateral blood flow in the intercostal arteries
of patients with coarctation of the aorta. Knowing whether collateral blood
flow is present in patients with narrowing of the juxtaductal aorta should
help assess the clinical hemodynamic significance of the coarctation.
