Steady state free precession cardiovascular magnetic resonance: accuracy of left and right ventricular functional assessment in children

Abstract

There were good correlations between aortic flow and LV SV (r=0.69, p<0.0001, n=198), and between pulmonary flow volume and RVSV (r=0.64, p<0.0001, n=189). Using the Bland Altman method the mean difference between LVSV and aortic flow was 10ml (95%CI 9 to 11ml). Mean difference between RV SVs and MPA flow was 12ml (95%CI 10.8 to 13.2ml). There was a strong correlation between aortic and pulmonary flow volumes (r= 0.87, p<0.0001, n=198). The mean difference between aortic and MPA flow volumes was 3.4ml. Conclusions Children at the age of 9 years can comply with multiple breath-hold requirements, allowing accurate assessment of cardiovascular function using steady state free precession CMR. Although less accurate than in adults, useful measurements can be obtained at this age for research studies as there is a good correlation between flow derived SVs and those derived from the SA cine stack.