Visualization of iliac and proximal femoral artery hemodynamics using time-resolved 3D phase contrast MRI at 3T.
OBJECTIVE
To demonstrate the feasibility of time-resolved 3D MR velocity mapping at 3 Tesla for the visualization of vascular hemodynamics in normal iliac and femoral arteries.


METHODS
Electrocardiographically (ECG) synchronized three-dimensional (3D) CINE phase-contrast MRI with three-directional flow encoding was adapted to analyze flow in peripheral arteries at 3T. Visualization of peripheral arterial hemodynamics within the acquired data volume included 3D streamlines and time-resolved 3D particle traces within the major vessels and localized analysis of flow profiles using 2D-vector graphs. Data was visually compared to results from color-coded duplex ultrasound (US).


RESULTS
Global and detailed local blood flow characteristics were successfully analyzed in all subjects. In agreement with US findings, normal laminar flow patterns without flow acceleration or disturbances were visualized in all healthy individuals. In an exemplary patient measurement multiple segmental flow accelerations could be demonstrated. MRI additionally revealed complex helical flow alterations distal to a moderate stenosis.


CONCLUSIONS
Due to the full spatial and temporal coverage of the arteries of interest, 3D CINE phase contrast MRI at 3T is a promising tool for the evaluation of vascular hemodynamics in peripheral arteries. Future methodological improvements will be directed to improve spatial and temporal resolution as well as quantitative data analysis. Moreover, the technique will have to be evaluated in patients in comparison to standard diagnostic tools.
Frydrychowicz
Alex
A
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University Hospital Freiburg, Hugstetter Strasse 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany. Alex.Frydrychowicz@uniklinik-freiburg.de
Winterer
Jan T
JT
Zaitsev
Maxim
M
Jung
Bernd
B
Hennig
Jürgen
J
Langer
Mathias
M
Markl
Michael
M
D000328:Adult; D001157:Arterial Occlusive Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity / Q000502:physiology*; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005263:Femoral Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007083:Iliac Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000502:physiology*; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016491:Peripheral Vascular Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D010865:Pilot Projects; D014463:Ultrasonography