Magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of innominate artery compression of the trachea

In the past, the diagnosis of tracheal compression by intrathoracic arterial structures has been made by using bronchoscopy alone or in combination with one of a variety of imaging techniques, including barium contrast esophagography and cineangiography. However, all of these imaging techniques involve exposure of patients to ionizing radiation and, in the case of angiography, an invasive procedure. The use of magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of thoracic arterial disease is well documented and, more specifically, has been found to be useful in the diagnosis of innominate artery compression of the trachea and congenital vascular rings. This report documents the use of magnetic resonance imaging at the Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, in the diagnosis of innominate artery compression of the trachea. In addition, the radiographic appearance of this entity is contrasted with other compressive lesions of the trachea.