ABSTRACT
In this report, the diagnostic value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was compared with that of two-dimensional echocardiography, computed tomography and cardiac catheterization in a patient with pentalogy of Fallot who survived to her fortieth year. The advantages and disadvantages of MRI in diagnosing the present case were as follows: The cardiovascular system, with the exception of atrial septal defect, was evaluated precisely. Collateral vessels were detected using MRI, but impossible with other non-invasive methods. MRI was particularly suitable for imaging the cardiovascular system because of the high contrast between the lower intensity signal of the blood and higher intensity signal of the myocardium and blood vessel walls. Using MRI, data acquisition time was 1.5 min per section. Gated MRI required more time for data acquisition. However, various oblique tomographic projections and very clear static images could be obtained using gated MRI. MRI should be one of the best diagnostic techniques for diagnosing congenital heart disease.
