Cine phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging for analysis of flow phenomena in experimental aortic dissection

Using a 1.5 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, cine phase-contrast and magnitude images were obtained in three phantoms that simulated different anatomic configurations of aortic dissection. The dissection phantoms were made of compliant materials, and pulsatile flow was used in all experiments. Phantoms differed only in the location of the fenestration between the true and false lumens (I: an upstream "entry" only, II: both upstream "entry" and downstream "re-entry," and III: a downstream "entry" only). Flow jets, flap motion, and wave propagation were clearly visualized in cine MR images of each phantom, and quantitatively analyzed with reference to the stimulated cardiac cycle of the pump. Flow in the false lumen was always bidirectional. Upstream and downstream flow waves collided and dispersed within the false lumen. Flow through the false lumen was the same in phantoms I and II, and least in phantom III. The average area of the true lumen was largest in phantom III and smallest in I. Phantom I had the highest overall flow rate in the false lumen and greatest change in false lumen size during the cardiac cycle, while the downstream "entry" phantom had the lowest of both parameters. Flow phenomena in aortic dissections can be studied by cine phase-contrast MRI.