Magnetic resonance evaluation of pulmonary circulation in children

MR is a powerful tool for evaluation of the pulmonary circulation. With contrast-enhanced three-dimensional angiography and phase-contrast velocity mapping technique, MR provides not only the anatomical detail of the pulmonary vessels but also the hemodynamic information regarding blood flow velocity, volume, distribution and pattern. The greatest advantage of MR over ultrasound is its ability to evaluate the pulmonary vessels within the aerated lung. Assessment of the blood flow pattern in the peripheral pulmonary arteries and veins may allow better understanding of the normal pulmonary hemodynamic physiology and status of various diseases. MR can also be used for the estimation of oxygen saturation of the blood. Real-time MR Doppler technique is an emerging technology that can be applied to the evaluation of pulmonary circulation. In this review article, we discuss MR techniques and utilization in the evaluation of pulmonary circulation in various clinical conditions in children.