Cardiac magnetic imaging of the patient with an atrial switch palliation for transposition of the great arteries

Patients with transposition of the great arteries treated with either a Mustard or Senning atrial switch palliation are often referred for assessment with cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). Frequent indications for scanning include quantifying systemic right ventricular function, assessing patency of the venous pathways, finding baffle leaks, measuring systemic atrioventricular valve regurgitation, or detecting myocardial fibrosis. This review discusses the various techniques available for CMR imaging in this setting, an approach to obtaining reliable images, strategies and pitfalls to consider, and variations between centers to understand. The goal is to enable providers to obtain a thorough yet efficient study that adequately addresses the patient's clinical needs.