4D phase contrast MRI in the preterm infant: visualisation of patent ductus arteriosus

Persistently patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is correlated with multiple adverse outcomes; however, whether this association is causal or casual remains unclear.1 Echocardiography offers high sensitivity for detection of PDA, but has limited ability to quantify flow within the duct and surrounding vessels. Consequently, the haemodynamic significance can only be inferred.2 Four-dimensional (4D) phase contrast MRI (PCMRI) allows visualisation and quantitative analysis of haemodynamics at almost any anatomical location throughout the cardiac cycle.3 Should …