Magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of congenital heart disease.

Magnetic resonance imaging is a powerful tool for studying patients with congenital heart disease. Its phenomenal contrast resolution, improved spatial resolution, and large field-of-view allow for graphic depiction of a wide array of congenital defects. Although this method was originally handicapped by the time it took to perform an exam and by poor image quality, advances in hardware and software coupled with attention to technique have led to a reliable diagnostic imaging modality. Although the technology is still evolving, it is not unreasonable to hope that the noninvasive imaging modalities of magnetic resonance and echocardiography will ultimately replace angiography in the evaluation of congenital heart disease.