AUTHOR=Sherrah Andrew G. , Grieve Stuart M. , Jeremy Richmond W. , Bannon Paul G. , Vallely Michael P. , Puranik Rajesh 

TITLE=MRI in Chronic Aortic Dissection: A Systematic Review and Future Directions

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine

VOLUME=2

YEAR=2015

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/cardiovascular-medicine/articles/10.3389/fcvm.2015.00005

DOI=10.3389/fcvm.2015.00005

ISSN=2297-055X

ABSTRACT=<p>The acute event of thoracic aortic dissection carries with it high mortality and morbidity. Despite optimal initial surgical or medical management strategies, the risk of further complications in the long-term, including aneurysmal dilatation and false lumen (FL) expansion, are not insignificant. Adequate follow-up of such conditions requires dedicated imaging where relevant prognostic indicators are accurately assessed. We perform a systematic review of the literature and report the current evidence for the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in assessment of chronic aortic dissection. We then make a comparison with traditional imaging modalities including computed tomography and echocardiography. We discuss new ways in which MRI may extend existing aortic assessment, including identification of blood-flow dynamics within the TL and FL using phase-contrast imaging.</p>