High-resolution blood flow velocity measurements in the human finger

MR phase contrast blood flow velocity measurements in the human index finger were performed with triggered, nontriggered, and cine acquisition schemes. A strong (G(max) = 200 mT/m), small bore (inner diameter 12 cm) gradient system inserted in a whole body 3 Tesla MR scanner allowed high-resolution imaging at short echo times, which decreases partial volume effects and flow artifacts. Arterial blood flow velocities ranging from 4.9-19 cm/sec were measured, while venous blood flow was significantly slower at 1.5-7.1 cm/sec. Taking into account the corresponding vessel diameters ranging from 800 microm to 1.8 mm, blood flow rates of 3.0-26 ml/min in arteries and 1.2-4.8 ml/min in veins are obtained. The results were compared to ultrasound measurements, resulting in comparable blood flow velocities in the same subjects. Magn Reson Med 45:716-719, 2001.