[Cardiovascular magnetic resonance evaluation of left-to-right shunts due to cardiac septal defects in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension].

Introduction And Objectives: As cardiac septal defects are frequently associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension, hemodynamic assessment is essential before deciding on surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging for assessing cardiac shunts and for quantifying pulmonary artery systolic pressure in patients with cardiac septal defects.

Methods: This cross-sectional study involved patients with cardiac septal defects and clinically suspected severe pulmonary arterial hypertension who had an indication for cardiac catheterization and in whom magnetic resonance imaging was not contraindicated.