Article Text

Download PDFPDF

177 Non-contrast MRI for assessment of thoracic aorta dimension
Free
  1. Mehak Gupta1,
  2. Hannah Clarke2,
  3. Oscar Hargreaves3,
  4. Tom Ingram1,
  5. Vijay Pakala2,
  6. Eveline Lee2,
  7. Jemiliat Otun4
  1. 1Shrewsbury and Telford Trust
  2. 2Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Trust, Telford, UK
  3. 3University of Birmingham
  4. 4Princess Royal Hospital, Telford, UK

Abstract

Introduction Multi-modality imaging plays a significant role in evaluating and interval monitoring of patients with aortopathies. Echocardiogram is the first screening test followed by Computerised Tomography (CT) and/or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Most patients require repeated scans at interval. Both CT and MRI require contrast administration and furthermore, radiation exposure in CT. Locally, we have c adopted surveillance scanning with non-contrast MR to overcome the above limitations. This is not widely practised.

Aim The aim of the study is to compare inter-modality agreement between CT (gold standard) and non-contrast MRI measurements of ascending aortic dimensions.

Methods 126 consecutive patients underwent non-contrast MRI thoracic aorta our hospitals between 2017 and 2021. Thirty-eight patients (61% males, age 61±14 years) have had both CT and MRI. A retrospective analysis was conducted to assess the inter-modality agreement of ascending aorta measurements. Statistical analysis was done using R programme (R studio). A Bland-Altman graph was used to assess inter-modality agreement of ascending aorta measurements. Differences in measurements of the two modalities were reported as mean and 95% confidence interval.

Results There is good linear correlation (Pearson’s R=0.86, p<0.05) between CT and MRI measurements. Mean difference between CT and MRI measurements was 2.39mm, 95% confidence interval 6.5mm to 8.4mm, see figure 1.

Conclusion There is good inter-modality agreement of ascending aorta measurements between CT non contrast MRI in our experience. Non contrast MRI has the advantage of requiring no radiation and no need for contrast. This is desirable particularly in young patients requiring long term surveillance.

Conflict of Interest Nil

  • MRI
  • Aorta
  • Inter-modality

Statistics from Altmetric.com

Request Permissions

If you wish to reuse any or all of this article please use the link below which will take you to the Copyright Clearance Center’s RightsLink service. You will be able to get a quick price and instant permission to reuse the content in many different ways.