Magnetic resonance approaches to the evaluation of pulmonary vascular anatomy and physiology

Magn Reson Q. 1991 Jul;7(3):208-25.

Abstract

MR imaging offers the potential for combined anatomic and flow-related information about the pulmonary circulation. Although conventional spin-echo sequences have provided an accurate and noninvasive means of evaluating the anatomy of the central pulmonary arteries and veins, newer MR techniques--including cine MR, velocity-encoded phase-contrast scans, spatial modulation of magnetization (SPAMM), fast scan techniques with breath-holding, and echo planar imaging in combination with computer-based post-processing--are providing physiological information superimposed on the anatomic maps. This paper reviews these new MR approaches to the integrated anatomic and physiologic imaging of the pulmonary vasculature.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Heart Defects, Congenital / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Lung Diseases / diagnosis
  • Lung Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Pulmonary Artery / anatomy & histology*
  • Pulmonary Circulation / physiology*
  • Pulmonary Embolism / diagnosis
  • Pulmonary Veins / anatomy & histology*