Estimation of Aortic Pressure Difference in Fontan Patients by 4D Flow MRI

We aimed to evaluate the aortic blood pressure characteristics and cardiac function in patients after the Fontan operation. The Fontan group exhibited significantly increased peak diameter index and decreased peak velocity and peak flow rate in some of planes in the aorta. The Fontan group also presented decreased pressure difference (PD) in aortic arch and descending aorta. The aortic PD might be more sensitive than cardiac index in detection of cardiovascular alteration in Fontan patients. The aortic PD measured by 4D flow MRI can be a noninvasive alternative to characterize aortic remodeling.