MRI of acute and chronic aortic pathology: Pre-operative and postoperativeevaluation

With recent advances in the understanding of aortic diseases, both power an d versatility have put magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the focus of dia gnostic work-up in the entire spectrum of clinical aortic pathology. Techni cal refinements, from classic anatomic imaging to three-dimensional gadolin ium-enhanced MR angiography and tissue characterization, have rendered MRI ideal for assessment of acquired disease such as aortic dissection, intramu ral hematoma, and aneurysm, along with postoperative follow-up evaluation, with better reliability and safety than other imaging modalities. Moreover, congenital pathology of the aorta, Including aortic arch anomalies and coa rctation, can be non-invasively evaluated by MRI. With spectroscopy and the advent of high-resolution intravascular coils, MRI may even provide histop athologic and potentially prognostic information unparalleled by any other method. (C) 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.