Purpose: To determine the feasibility and accuracy of measuring tricuspid volume flow with magnetic resonance (MR) velocity mapping in healthy children and in patients after a Mustard or Senning repair.
Materials and methods: MR studies were performed in 14 healthy children (mean age, 12 years +/- 3) and in 12 patients (mean age, 17 years +/- 5) late after a Mustard or Senning repair. MR measurements of tricuspid volume flow were validated against right ventricular stroke volumes measured tomographically. Diastolic filling parameters were derived from the flow measurements.
Results: Tricuspid volume flow and right ventricular stroke volume showed close agreement in the healthy children (r = .98) and in the patients (r = .94). Children after Senning repair, compared with healthy children, showed a delayed and higher peak tricuspid flow rate during early filling and a lower peak flow rate during atrial contraction (P < .05).
Conclusion: MR measurement of tricuspid flow is feasible and accurate in healthy children and in patients after a Mustard or Senning operation, who often demonstrate abnormal tricuspid flow patterns.