Visualization and quantification of the human blood flow by magnetic resonance imaging

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) offers new possibilities for the visualization and the noninvasive quantification of the blood flow in human vessels. By the application of conventional gradient echo sequences with electrocardiographic gating on a 1.5 Tesla whole body MRI system the flow induced phase shifts in the ascending and the abdominal aorta are analyzed. The instantaneous two-dimensional velocity profiles and the instantaneous flow rates are determined in a series of subsequent images with high temporal resolution throughout the cardiac cycle. For the flow analysis in further vessels and for the analysis of more complex flow patterns, as they occur in bifurcations or stenoses, a new MR flow imaging technique called FAcE with extremely short echo times is introduced and the first results of flow examinations in a bifurcation phantom and in the carotid artery are presented.