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Objectives The goals of this study were to: 1) evaluate the cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) characteristics of pediatric cardiac masses from a large international cohort; 2) test the accuracy of previously developed CMR-based diagnostic criteria; and 3) expand diagnostic criteria using new information. Background After diagnosis of a cardiac mass, clinicians must weigh the benefits and risks of ascertaining a tissue diagnosis. Limited data are available on the accuracy of previously developed noninvasive pediatric CMR-based diagnostic criteria. Methods CMR studies (children 0-18 years of age) with confirmatory histological and/or genetic diagnosis were analyzed by 2 reviewers, without knowledge of prior diagnosis. Diagnostic accuracy was graded as: 1) single correct diagnosis; 2) correct diagnosis among a differential; or 3) incorrect diagnosis. Results Of 213 cases, 174 (82%) had diagnoses that were represented in the previously published diagnostic criteria. In 70% of 174 cases, both reviewers achieved a single correct diagnosis (94% of fibromas, 71% of rhabdomyomas, and 50% of myxomas). When ≤2 differential diagnoses were included, both reviewers reached a correct diagnosis in 86% of cases. Of 29 malignant tumors, both reviewers indicated malignancy as a single diagnosis in 52% of cases. Including ≤2 differential diagnoses, both reviewers indicated malignancy in 83% of cases. Of 6 CMR sequences examined, acquisition of first-pass perfusion and late gadolinium enhancement were independently associated with a higher likelihood of a single correct diagnosis. Conclusions CMR of cardiac masses in children leads to an accurate diagnosis in most cases. A comprehensive imaging protocol is associated with higher diagnostic accuracy.

Loeys-Dietz Syndrome is an autosomal dominant disease with aortic aneurysms, arterial tortuosity with hypertelorism and bifid uvula. We describe four familial cases within three generations. The diagnosis, surgical management and followup will be addressed.

Background 3D steady-state free precession (SSFP) sequences allow for acquisition of isotropic datasets without the need for IV placement and contrast administration. Similar to MR angiography, they can be post-processed using multiplanar reconstruction, allowing for cross-sectional vessel measurements. They are also ECG-gated, allowing for visualization of coronary artery origins, which cannot be reliably evaluated by MRA. Arteries are preferentially measured in systole to obtain maximal diameter. However, because of motion blurring, this may be a suboptimal phase for diagnosis of coronary origins. We hypothesized that systolic SSFP (sSSFP) would provide larger measurements of arterial vessel diameter than either diastolic SSFP (dSSFP) or MRA sequences, yet provide adequate image quality for diagnosis of coronary artery origins.