Vascular magnetic resonance imaging.

Natural contrast from flow void potentiates the diagnosis of the intimal flap of aortic dissection, the dilated contour of aortic aneurysm, the protruding plaque of atherosclerotic disease, the recognition of deep vein thrombosis, and the identification of a number of acquired and congenital vascular abnormalities. Although MRI is costly at the present, the advantages of vascular MRI include noninvasive multiplanar imaging, no ionizing radiation, no contrast material requirements, and its use as an alternative to technically limited ultrasonography or computed tomography. MRI can define anatomy, measure blood flow, and be used for serial examinations in following disease processes and response to treatment. Future research with tissue characterization of atherosclerotic plaque may allow for early diagnosis and treatment of this ubiquitous disease. Not only chemical but also metabolic studies, including tissue perfusion in the heart and other solid viscera, would be of great value. Undoubtedly, MRI will have a permanent role in cardiovascular diagnosis.