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Comparison of four-dimensional flow parameters for quantification of flow eccentricity in the ascending aorta
Monica Sigovan1, Michael D Hope, Petter Dyverfeldt
1Department of Radiology, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143-0628, USA.
Insights
Flow displacement is a more reliable measure of eccentric systolic blood flow in the ascending thoracic aorta than flow jet angle. This parameter is crucial for understanding aortic pathology development.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Medical Physics
- Biomechanical Engineering
Background:
- Ascending thoracic aorta (AsAo) eccentric systolic blood flow assessment is critical.
- Current quantitative methods for evaluating AsAo flow eccentricity require refinement.
- Understanding flow patterns may elucidate aortic pathology mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare quantitative parameters for assessing eccentric systolic blood flow in the AsAo.
- To determine the reliability of flow jet angle and normalized flow displacement.
- To identify optimal metrics for future research on aortic pathology.
Main Methods:
- Utilized three-dimensional (3D), cine phase-contrast MRI (4D Flow) in 41 patients.
- Analyzed cross-sectional planes in the AsAo at peak systole.
- Calculated flow jet angle and normalized flow displacement for quantitative analysis.
Main Results:
- Patients with normal flow showed an average flow jet angle of 13.7° and displacement of 0.04.
- Mild eccentric flow (n=6) showed significantly elevated angle (24.6°) and displacement (0.12).
- Marked eccentric flow (n=10) demonstrated significantly elevated displacement (0.18) but not angle (25.7°) compared to mild eccentricity.
Conclusions:
- Normalized flow displacement is a more reliable quantitative parameter than flow jet angle for AsAo eccentric systolic flow.
- Flow displacement should be evaluated in studies of eccentric flow's role in aortic pathology.
- This finding aids in developing more accurate diagnostic and prognostic tools for aortic diseases.
Purpose:
To compare quantitative parameters for assessing the degree of eccentric systolic blood flow in the ascending thoracic aorta (AsAo).
Materials And Methods:
Forty-one patients were studied with three-dimensional (3D), cine phase-contract MRI (4D Flow). Analysis was performed at peak systole for a cross-sectional plane in the AsAo just distal to the sinotubular junction. AsAo flow was graded as normal, mildly, or markedly eccentric based on qualitative visual assessment. For quantitative analysis, flow jet angle and normalized flow displacement from the vessel center were calculated.
Results:
Patients with normal AsAo systolic flow (n = 25) had an average flow jet angle of 13.7 degrees and flow displacement 0.04. These parameters were significantly elevated for patients with mild eccentric systolic flow (n = 6): 24.6 degrees (P = 0.012) and 0.12 (P = 0.001), respectively. However, for patients with marked eccentric flow (n = 10), only flow displacement was significantly elevated compared with the mild eccentric group (0.18; P = 0.04); flow angle was 25.7 degrees.
Conclusion:
Flow displacement is a more reliable quantitative parameter for measuring eccentric AsAo systolic flow than flow jet angle, and should be evaluated in studies investigating the role of eccentric flow in the promotion of aortic pathology.
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