Marfan's syndrome MRI

MRI

Aortic diameter can be measured using echocardiography, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). While internal diameter can be measured with echocardiography, CT or MRI are required for measurement of the external vessel diameter which is normally 2 to 4 mm larger than the internal artery diameter. When possible, it is recommended that MRI be used to assess diameter in order to minimize patient exposure to radiation. The most important measurement is the diameter at the sinuses of valsalva, a location particularly prone to dissection in patients with the syndrome. After diagnosis, patients must be followed and the aortic size monitored every 6 months as recommended by the 2010 ACC/AHA/AATS guidelines for thoracic aortic disease. If the diameter is stable and less than 45mm, annual imaging is sufficient. However, if the diameter is greater than 45mm or the diameter is growing appreciably more frequent imaging is necessary.