Felix G. Meinel

We aimed to evaluate electrocardiogram (ECG)-gated MR angiography (MRA) in the follow-up after surgery involving the ascending aorta regarding technical feasibility, image quality, spectrum of findings, and their implications for clinical management. We retrospectively analyzed a cohort of 19 patients (median age 59 years, range 38–79 years), who underwent MRA for follow-up imaging after surgery involving the ascending aorta. Our magnetic resonance imaging protocol consisted of a time-resolved, non-ECG-gated MRA and an ECG-gated MRA performed at 3T. Median examination duration was 25 minutes (range 11–41 minutes). All examinations were assessed by 2 readers in consensus for image quality on a 5-point scale ranging from 1 (non-diagnostic) to 5 (excellent). MRA examinations and patient charts were analyzed for diagnostic findings and their consequences for further management. Subjective image quality was rated as “sufficient” (score 3.1 ± 1.1) for the aortic root and as “good” to “excellent” for the ascending aorta (score 4.5 ± 0.7), aortic arch (4.5 ± 0.7), supra-aortic branches (4.5 ± 0.6) and descending aorta (4.6 ± 0.7). Abnormal findings were seen in 6 patients (32%) including progressive diameter of remaining aneurysm or dissection (3 patients, 16%) and suture aneurysms (3 patients, 16%). In all 6 of these patients, abnormal findings at MRA had consequences for clinical management. ECG-gated MR angiography at 3T yields good image quality for post-operative surveillance after aortic surgery involving the ascending aorta. This technique may serve as an alternative to computed tomography particularly in younger patients with repeated follow-up.