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Three-directional myocardial motion assessed using 3D phase contrast MRI
John-Peder Escobar Kvitting1, Tino Ebbers, Jan Engvall
1Department of Clinical Physiology and Center for Medical Image Science and Visualization, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden. johkv@imv.liu.se
Summary
This study demonstrates that time-resolved 3D phase contrast MRI can accurately measure three-dimensional myocardial velocities. The findings reveal distinct apex-to-base gradients in left ventricular function, highlighting complex cardiac motion.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Biomedical Engineering
- Physiology
Background:
- Regional myocardial function is a complex, three-dimensional (3D) process.
- Noninvasive techniques for true 3D cardiac motion assessment are limited.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) offers potential for detailed cardiac motion analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a time-resolved 3D phase contrast MRI technique for quantifying myocardial velocities.
- To analyze the three-dimensional motion components (longitudinal, radial, circumferential) of the left ventricle (LV).
- To identify regional differences and gradients in myocardial velocity.
Main Methods:
- Acquisition of 3D image volumes with myocardial velocity data using time-resolved 3D phase contrast MRI in six healthy volunteers.
- Extraction of velocity data from nine points in different LV myocardial segments.
- Decomposition of velocity into longitudinal (V(L)), radial (V(R)), and circumferential (V(C)) components.
Main Results:
- Confirmed a significant longitudinal apex-to-base gradient in LV V(L) during systole, early filling, and atrial contraction.
- Observed higher V(L) in basal and midsegments compared to apical segments.
- Found higher radial velocity during early filling in the midportion of the lateral wall compared to basal segments.
Conclusions:
- Time-resolved 3D phase contrast MRI is a feasible technique for extracting comprehensive myocardial velocity data.
- The method allows for the analysis of all three velocity components (V(L), V(R), V(C)) without predefined slice positioning.
- Demonstrated complex, non-one-dimensional myocardial movement and identified regional functional gradients.