MR imaging of the thoracic aorta

There are numerous pulse sequences available for evaluating the diverse pathology that affects the thoracic aorta. Preliminary imaging using TrueFISP and precontrast and postcontrast T1 GRE-FS is usually required to assess morphology of the aorta and adjacent structures. CE-MRA is the mainstay in the investigative approach. The addition of temporally resolved subsecond CE-MRA is particularly useful for assessing high-flow vascular lesions such as shunts, while at the same time not adding much to the overall contrast load. PC-MRA may help further characterize stenotic lesions and can be useful for monitoring progression of disease.