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Blood flow patterns in the thoracic aorta studied with three-directional MR velocity mapping: the effects of age and
H G Bogren1, R H Mohiaddin, P J Kilner
1Magnetic Resonance Unit, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, United Kingdom. hbogren@netrad.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu
Insights
Blood flow patterns in the thoracic aorta, including flow reversal and coronary artery inflow, were analyzed using magnetic resonance imaging. Significant differences were observed between healthy individuals and those with coronary artery disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Medical Imaging
- Hemodynamics
Background:
- Understanding thoracic aortic blood flow is crucial for diagnosing cardiovascular conditions.
- Flow patterns influence myocardial perfusion and can indicate disease states.
- Previous studies have utilized various imaging techniques to assess aortic hemodynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate thoracic aortic blood flow patterns, focusing on flow reversal and coronary artery inflow.
- To compare flow characteristics in healthy subjects versus patients with coronary artery disease.
- To identify age-related differences in aortic flow dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Three-directional magnetic resonance (MR) velocity mapping was employed.
- Multidirectional flow velocities in the aorta were mapped in 14 healthy subjects and 14 patients.
- Dynamic flow vector maps and through-plane velocity maps were utilized.
Main Results:
- Flow reversal was consistently observed in the upper ascending aorta and distal aortic arch.
- Retrograde flow transitioned to antegrade flow within the ascending aorta and coronary sinuses.
- Seven investigated flow characteristics collectively showed significant differences (P = .0005) between normal subjects and patients, and between older and younger healthy individuals.
Conclusions:
- Thoracic aortic blood flow patterns, including reversal and coronary inflow, differ significantly between healthy individuals and those with coronary artery disease.
- Age influences aortic flow characteristics in healthy individuals.
- Three-directional MR velocity mapping is effective in characterizing complex aortic hemodynamics.
Abstract:
The objective was to investigate how the blood flows in the thoracic aorta, with special emphasis on flow reversal and flow into the coronary arteries. Three-directional MR velocity mapping was used to map multidirectional flow velocities in the aorta in 14 normal subjects and 14 patients with coronary artery disease. Dynamic flow vector maps and through-plane velocity maps were used. The flow reversed in all subjects in the upper ascending aorta and usually also in the distal aortic arch. Retrograde flow became antegrade again at various levels in the ascending aorta and in the coronary sinuses. Seven flow characteristics were investigated that, lumped together, were significantly different (P = .0005) in normal subjects compared with patients and in normal subjects 70 years of age and older compared with those younger than 70 years of age.