Velocity quantification in 44 healthy volunteers using accelerated multi-VENC 4D flow CMR

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Imaging
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Hemodynamics

Background:

• Assessing the feasibility of k-t accelerated multi-VENC 4D phase contrast flow MRI for major heart-surrounding vessels.
• Evaluating the benefits of multi-VENC over traditional single-VENC acquisitions.
• Establishing reference flow and velocity values in a large cohort of healthy volunteers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility of k-t accelerated multi-VENC 4D phase contrast flow MRI acquisition of the main heart-surrounding vessels.
• To assess its benefits compared to traditional single-VENC acquisition.
• To present reference flow and velocity values in a large cohort of volunteers.

Main Methods:

• 44 healthy volunteers underwent 3 T MRI with 4D flow measurements covering aorta and pulmonary arteries.
• Multi-VENC (40, 100, 200 cm/s) data was acquired, unfolded, and compared to single-VENC (200 cm/s).
• Flow and velocity were quantified in ROIs within the aorta and pulmonary artery; conservation of mass was analyzed.

Main Results:

• Mean scan time was 13.8 ± 4 minutes.
• Multi-VENC datasets showed significantly lower stroke volume differences (9.6 ± 7.8 mL) compared to single-VENC (25.4 ± 26.4 mL) (p < 0.001).
• Mean/maximal velocities and stroke volumes aligned with literature; exemplary patient cases demonstrated clinical utility.

Conclusions:

• k-t accelerated multi-VENC 4D flow MRI of great vessels is feasible within a clinically acceptable timeframe.
• This method offers advantages over single-VENC 4D flow, particularly for vessels with diverse flow velocities or complex flow patterns.
• The technique is expected to be valuable for evaluating complex cardiovascular conditions.