Usefulness of turbo-FLASH dynamic MR imaging of dissecting aneurysms of the thoracic aorta.

Abstract

We attempted to determine whether Turbo-FLASH dynamic magnetic resonance imaging is clinically useful for the diagnosis of dissecting aneurysm of the thoracic aorta by differentiating slow flow from thrombus in the false lumen. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed in ten patients using three different pulse sequences (spin echo, cine and turbo-FLASH dynamic MRI). The three imaging techniques were compared for their ability to demonstrate anatomical and hemodynamic abnormalities by visual assessment. In all patients with thrombus in the false lumen, the thrombus was accurately differentiated from slow flow on contrast enhanced turbo-FLASH dynamic MRI, but only with difficulty on spin echo and cine MRI. Dynamic MRI was also useful for the evaluation of flow dynamics in the false lumen. Turbo-FLASH dynamic MRI is recommended for patients with dissecting aneurysm of the thoracic aorta, not definitely diagnosed by spin echo and cine MRI.