MR velocity mapping of tricuspid flow in healthy children and in patients who have undergone Mustard or Senning repair.

PURPOSE

To determine the feasibility and accuracy of measuring tricuspid volume flow with magnetic resonance (MR) velocity mapping in healthy children and in patients after a Mustard or Senning repair.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MR studies were performed in 14 healthy children (mean age, 12 years +/- 3) and in 12 patients (mean age, 17 years +/- 5) late after a Mustard or Senning repair. MR measurements of tricuspid volume flow were validated against right ventricular stroke volumes measured tomographically. Diastolic filling parameters were derived from the flow measurements.

RESULTS

Tricuspid volume flow and right ventricular stroke volume showed close agreement in the healthy children (r = .98) and in the patients (r = .94). Children after Senning repair, compared with healthy children, showed a delayed and higher peak tricuspid flow rate during early filling and a lower peak flow rate during atrial contraction (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

MR measurement of tricuspid flow is feasible and accurate in healthy children and in patients after a Mustard or Senning operation, who often demonstrate abnormal tricuspid flow patterns.