Technology gives diagnosis boost

British scientists believe a new technique will help them diagnose and treat children born with heart defects.

Called XMR, it combines magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and conventional x-rays.

"The new XMR system gives us three-dimensional imaging, a way of measuring blood flow and tells us how the heart is beating - all extremely useful clinical information that helps us treat patients with greater accuracy and efficiency," said Dr Reza Razavi of Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, London.

Dr Razavi is one of a team of researchers who developed and tested the method on 12 children with congenital heart defects.

To diagnose and treat children with the problem, doctors insert a catheter, or tube, into an artery or vein in the neck or leg and channel it to the heart.

"At the moment x-rays alone are used to guide the catheters into and around the heart," said team member Dr Derek Hill. "Doctors can get a reasonable idea of the catheter's position, but have little idea about the shape of the inner surface of the heart where they might want to place the catheter or other device."

XMR gives doctors a three-dimensional picture of the heart and shows how the blood is pumped through it. "It's like being able to see a model of the house rather than a floor plan," Dr Hill said.

The scientists believe new technology and increased expertise will eventually let them use MRI without x-rays, which have harmful side-effects. "It's all about creating a better picture of what's going on inside the child's heart," Hill added.

Scientists do not know exactly what causes congenital heart defects but genetics and environment are involved. If a pregnant woman has rubella, or German measles, and/or uses certain drugs for acne or psychological problems it also increases the risk of heart defects.

- REUTERS

Herald feature: Health