[The contribution of magnetic resonance imaging in congenital heart diseases].

The diagnostic value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was assessed in 30 patients with congenital heart disease, including 7 patients with postoperative sequellae. The images obtained by synchronizing the MRI spectrometer with the electrocardiogramme were recorded in 2 or 3 different planes (sagittal, frontal and transverse) and compared to clinical, angiographic and/or echocardiographic data. The MRI provided high resolution tomographic images enabling spatial reconstitution of the heart by the use of different planes. These images were particularly useful for showing the position and dimensions of the ventricles (both chamber size and wall thickness) and their relationship to the atria and great vessels. These results confirm the value of this new non-invasive imaging technique in the diagnosis of congenital heart disease, not counting the additional information on blood flow and tissue characterisation that will soon become available.