Heart and Aorta Imaging: What to Expect

You or your child has been asked to have testing to image (make pictures of) the heart and/or aorta (or both). Learn what to expect from the different types of imaging tests.

The doctor will help you decide which of these tests is best for your child.

What are the different types of tests to image the heart and aorta?

There are many types of tests to image (take a picture of) your child’s heart and/or aorta (large artery that runs down the center of the body) and its branches. These tests can check the size and shape of the heart and aorta. In people with certain genetic conditions, the aorta can be larger (dilated) or smaller (hypoplastic) than normal.

Types of heart and aorta imaging tests

Echocardiogram

A type of ultrasound that makes pictures of the heart and blood vessels.

Radiation? No

Contrast Dye? No

Important Things to Know

• An echocardiogram is less useful in people who have overweight, a thicker chest wall or a chest with an unusual shape.
• The echocardiogram cannot image the entire length of the aorta.
  
  

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MRI with Angiography (MRA)

An MRI uses magnets to image the heart and blood vessels.

Pictures from an MRI are clearer than an echocardiogram. An MRI can also image the entire length of the aorta.

Angiography uses contrast. This makes the best pictures of the aorta and blood vessels.

Radiation? No

Contrast Dye? Yes

Important Things to Know

• Contrast is a safe dye injected into a vein through an IV. The dye helps make pictures as clear as possible.
• The IV needle hurts, but it will be over quickly.
• Some children might need sedation or anesthesia (medication to help them feel relaxed or fall asleep) before the test.
  
  

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CT Scan with Angiography (CTA)

A CTA is a type of X-ray that makes pictures of the heart and blood vessels.

Radiation? Yes, but a small dose

Contrast Dye? Yes

Important Things to Know

• Doctors usually do not use sedation or anesthesia for a CTA.

Did you know...?

John Hancock Child Life and Wellness Services at MGfC can help your child before, during and after an imaging test. Ask your child’s care team if you would like to learn more about Child Life.

Rev. 1/2020. Mass General for Children and Massachusetts General Hospital do not endorse any of the brands listed on this handout. This handout is intended to provide health information so that you can be better informed. It is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to treatment of any medical conditions.