MR imaging of the thoracic aorta.

MR imaging is an effective modality for noninvasive morphologic and functional assessment of the thoracic aorta. MR imaging provides several advantages for vascular imaging, including intrinsic contrast between the blood pool and vascular structures, multiplanar imaging capability, and the absence of ionizing radiation. By combining imaging and flow-sensitive techniques, MR imaging can be used to delineate morphology and to quantify bloodflow volume and velocity. In patients who need sequential examinations over time to monitor disease severity, a noninvasive technique such as MR imaging is desirable.