Role of imaging in patients with congenital heart diseases, attending pediatric cardiac clinic at Muhimbili National Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Congenital heart disease (CHD) afflicts a large number of children every year worldwide. Anderson J.R. et al estimates the incidence of CHD to be approximately 8: 1000 live births [1]. The incidence of CHD in Tanzania was found to be 7: 1000 live births [2]. Chest imaging is an important modality in the diagnosis of congenital heart diseases along with clinical presentations. Certain imaging investigations such as plain chest X ray (CXR) and echocardiography (ECHO) are used to diagnose as well as to differentiate the type of CHD in our set up, although currently cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the most important imaging modality used to diagnose and classify CHD. OBJECTIVE: Role of imaging in congenital heart disease patients who attended Cardiac clinic in Pediatric department at MNH from June to December 2011