Aortic dilatation in Turner syndrome: the role of MRI in early recognition

Background: Aortic dilatation and dissection are rare but important complications of Turner syndrome that increase the risk of sudden death in young patients. Objective: To assess the value of aortic MRI in patients with Turner syndrome; in particular to demonstrate early aortic dilatation. Materials and methods: A total of 21 patients with Turner syndrome underwent MRI of the thoracic aorta with measurement of vessel diameter at four levels. Results: Measurements were normal for age in 15 cases, two patients presented with values at the upper limit of normal and four had obvious dilatation of the ascending aorta. All were symptom free. Conclusions: MRI allows the non-invasive demonstration of early aortic dilatation, which may lead to earlier surgery in asymptomatic individuals.