Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is a valuable noninvasive adjunct in t
he evaluation of congenital heart disease (CHD), With its multiplanar
image acquisition, good spatial resolution, and large-field-of-view im
age display, MR imaging can allow appreciation of vascular connections
not readily apparent at echocardiography or angiography, Evaluation o
f CHD with MR imaging has two components: definition of cardiovascular
anatomy and characterization of blood flow, However, the variety of M
R imaging options is large and often confusing. Besides spin-echo and
gradient-echo imaging, MR imaging techniques for evaluation of CHD inc
lude MR angiography, cine MR imaging, and flow quantification, An unde
rstanding of the potential MR imaging options enables formulation and
more efficient application of MR imaging strategies, When performed we
ll, MR imaging greatly enhances surgical planning and can even obviate
cardiac catheterization. MR imaging is also an excellent modality for
serial evaluation of surgical results and complications in cases of C
HD.