Blood flow measurement by magnetic resonance imaging in congenital heart disease

Investigation of blood flow in the heart and vessels may provide insight in to the function of the cardiovascular system and aid patient management dec isions. Phase velocity cine magnetic resonance imaging (PVC MRI) is a power ful and accurate noninvasive technique to quantitate and analyze blood flow . This article describes the principles, performance, and potential limitat ions of PVC MRI measurements. Clinical applications of PVC MRI are then rev iewed with an emphasis on the assessment of congenital heart disease.