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01-05-2012 | Magnetic Resonance

Interdependencies of aortic arch secondary flow patterns, geometry, and age analysed by 4-dimensional phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging at 3 Tesla

Authors: Alex Frydrychowicz, Alexander Berger, Alejandro Munoz del Rio, Maximilian F. Russe, Jelena Bock, Andreas Harloff, Michael Markl

Published in: European Radiology | Issue 5/2012

Abstract

Objective

It was the aim to analyse the impact of age, aortic arch geometry, and size on secondary flow patterns such as helix and vortex flow derived from flow-sensitive magnetic resonance imaging (4D PC-MRI).

Methods

62 subjects (age range = 20–80 years) without circumscribed pathologies of the thoracic aorta (ascending aortic (AAo) diameter: 3.2 ± 0.6 cm [range 2.2–5.1]) were examined by 4D PC-MRI after IRB-approval and written informed consent. Blood flow visualisation based on streamlines and time-resolved 3D particle traces was performed. Aortic diameter, shape (gothic, crook-shaped, cubic), angle, and age were correlated with existence and extent of secondary flow patterns (helicity, vortices); statistical modelling was performed.

Results

Helical flow was the typical pattern in standard crook-shaped aortic arches. With altered shapes and increasing age, helicity was less common. AAo diameter and age had the highest correlation (r = 0.69 and 0.68, respectively) with number of detected vortices. None of the other arch geometric or demographic variables (for all, P ≥ 0.177) improved statistical modelling.

Conclusion

Substantially different secondary flow patterns can be observed in the normal thoracic aorta. Age and the AAo diameter were the parameters correlating best with presence and amount of vortices. Findings underline the importance of age- and geometry-matched control groups for haemodynamic studies.

Key Points

• Secondary blood flow patterns (helices, vortices) are commonly observed in the aorta

• Secondary flow patterns predominantly depend on patient age and aortic diameter

• Geometric factors show a lesser impact on blood flow patterns than age and diameter

• Future analyses of flow patterns should incorporate age- and diameter dependencies

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Title: Interdependencies of aortic arch secondary flow patterns, geometry, and age analysed by 4-dimensional phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging at 3 Tesla
Authors: Alex Frydrychowicz
Alexander Berger
Alejandro Munoz del Rio
Maximilian F. Russe
Jelena Bock
Andreas Harloff
Michael Markl
Publication date: 01-05-2012
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Radiology / Issue 5/2012
Print ISSN: 0938-7994
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1084
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-011-2353-6

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Interdependencies of aortic arch secondary flow patterns, geometry, and age analysed by 4-dimensional phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging at 3 Tesla

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Key Points

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Key Points

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