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01-08-2015 | Magnetic Resonance

In vivo analysis of physiological 3D blood flow of cerebral veins

Authors: Florian Schuchardt, Laure Schroeder, Constantin Anastasopoulos, Michael Markl, Jochen Bäuerle, Anja Hennemuth, Johann Drexl, José M. Valdueza, Irina Mader, Andreas Harloff

Published in: European Radiology | Issue 8/2015

Abstract

Objectives

To visualize and quantify physiological blood flow of intracranial veins in vivo using time-resolved, 3D phase-contrast MRI (4D flow MRI), and to test measurement accuracy.

Methods

Fifteen healthy volunteers underwent repeated ECG-triggered 4D flow MRI (3 Tesla, 32-channel head coil). Intracranial venous blood flow was analysed using dedicated software allowing for blood flow visualization and quantification in analysis planes at the superior sagittal, straight, and transverse sinuses. MRI was evaluated for intra- and inter-observer agreement and scan-rescan reproducibility. Measurements of the transverse sinuses were compared with transcranial two-dimensional duplex ultrasound.

Results

Visualization of 3D blood flow within cerebral sinuses was feasible in 100 % and within at least one deep cerebral vein in 87 % of the volunteers. Blood flow velocity/volume increased along the superior sagittal sinus and was lower in the left compared to the right transverse sinus. Intra- and inter-observer reliability and reproducibility of blood flow velocity (mean difference 0.01/0.02/0.02 m/s) and volume (mean difference 0.0002/-0.0003/0.00003 l/s) were good to excellent. High/low velocities were more pronounced (8 % overestimation/9 % underestimation) in MRI compared to ultrasound.

Conclusions

Four-dimensional flow MRI reliably visualizes and quantifies three-dimensional cerebral venous blood flow in vivo and is promising for studies in patients with sinus thrombosis and related diseases.

Key Points

• 4D flow MRI can be used to visualize and quantify physiological cerebral venous haemodynamics

• Flow quantification within cerebral sinuses reveals high reliability and accuracy of 4D flow MRI

• Blood flow volume and velocity increase along the superior sagittal sinus

• Limited spatial resolution currently precludes flow quantification in small cerebral veins

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Title: In vivo analysis of physiological 3D blood flow of cerebral veins
Authors: Florian Schuchardt
Laure Schroeder
Constantin Anastasopoulos
Michael Markl
Jochen Bäuerle
Anja Hennemuth
Johann Drexl
José M. Valdueza
Irina Mader
Andreas Harloff
Publication date: 01-08-2015
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Radiology / Issue 8/2015
Print ISSN: 0938-7994
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1084
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-014-3587-x

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

In vivo analysis of physiological 3D blood flow of cerebral veins

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Key Points

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Key Points

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