Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 11, 2025

In vitro Assessment of Aortic Regurgitation Using Four-Dimensional Flow Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Published on: February 25, 2022
Four-dimensional Flow MRI for a Dynamic Perspective on the Heart and Adjacent Great Vessels
Gert Reiter1,2, Clemens Reiter1,3, Ismar Ovcina4
1Division of General Radiology, Department of Radiology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 9/P, 8036 Graz, Austria.
None:
Four-dimensional (4D) flow MRI provides impressive images of dynamic three-dimensional blood flow patterns in the heart and adjacent great vessels, offering detailed insights into their complex nature and their variation over time. The technique not only extends the dimensionality of the well-established two-dimensional (2D) flow method but also adds comprehensive visualization to the quantification of blood flow velocities and flow volumes. Unique 4D flow metrics such as energy, energy losses, pressure gradients, vorticity, and vessel wall shear stress enable better understanding of pathophysiologic mechanisms that contribute to cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of 4D flow-derived metrics and their application in disorders of the heart and adjacent great vessels. To support the integration of 4D flow MRI into clinical workflows, relationships between 4D flow parameters and commonly assessed 2D flow or echocardiographic velocity- and flow-related parameters are extensively discussed. Moreover, the rationale behind 4D flow-specific metrics is explained, and their potential to enhance diagnosis, prognosis, and management of cardiovascular diseases is discussed. Published under a CC BY 4.0 license. Supplemental material is available for this article.
Related Concept Videos
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System IV: CMRI
Radiological Investigation II: MRI and Ventilation Perfusion Scan
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ventilation Perfusion Scans are two radiological investigations that offer detailed diagnostic images of the body, particularly lung structures.
MRI
MRI uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency signals to distinguish between normal and abnormal tissues. This technology provides a more detailed diagnostic image than CT scans, enabling it to characterize pulmonary nodules, stage bronchogenic carcinoma, and evaluate inflammatory activity in...
Blood Flow
Imaging Studies IV: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT

