Through-plane Flow Research Articles

Real‐time flow MRI of the aorta at a resolution of 40 msec

To evaluate a novel real-time phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique for the assessment of through-plane flow in the ascending aorta. Real-time MRI was based on a radial fast low-angle shot (FLASH) sequence with about 30-fold undersampling and image reconstruction by regularized nonlinear inversion. Phase-contrast maps were obtained from two (interleaved or sequential) acquisitions with and without a bipolar velocity-encoding gradient. Blood flow in the ascending aorta was studied in 10 healthy volunteers at 3 T by both real-time MRI (15 sec during free breathing) and electrocardiogram (ECG)-synchronized cine MRI (with and without breath holding). Flow velocities and stroke volumes were evaluated using standard postprocessing software. The total acquisition time for a pair of phase-contrast images was 40.0 msec (TR/TE = 2.86/1.93 msec, 10° flip angle, 7 spokes per image) for a nominal in-plane resolution of 1.3 mm and a section thickness of 6 mm. Quantitative evaluations of spatially averaged flow velocities and stroke volumes were comparable for real-time and cine methods when real-time MRI data were averaged across heartbeats. For individual heartbeats real-time phase-contrast MRI resulted in higher peak velocities for values above 120 cm s(-1). Real-time phase-contrast MRI of blood flow in the human aorta yields functional parameters for individual heartbeats. When averaged across heartbeats real-time flow velocities and stroke volumes are comparable to values obtained by conventional cine MRI.

Prediction of the in-plane and through-plane fluid flow behavior of woven fabrics

The permeability property of fabric is a desired performance property of textile structure used in different areas. In this study, the relationship between in-plane and through-plane permeability behaviors and the structural properties of woven fabrics having numerous usage areas, such as clothing and technical textiles, were investigated with the help of data obtained from a group of test fabrics having different weave types and weft settings, which were produced by using the same warp and weft linear density. In the study, the pore properties were examined in two regions: inter-yarn and inter-fiber pore regions. After defining the pore properties, which were determined by the structural and geometrical properties of fabric according to different approaches, the permeability results of both in-plane and through-plane directions were predicted theoretically by using obtained pore properties in flow equations. Estimated permeability results were compared with experimental results and the suitability of methods were discussed.

In-vivo distortion of through-plane flow by spiral phase-contrast imaging

To explain previously unrecognised consequences of two sources of phase curvature over the vessel cross-section in spiral imaging i.e. off-resonance and the velocity-encoded phase-shift.

Real‐time phase‐contrast MRI of cardiovascular blood flow using undersampled radial fast low‐angle shot and nonlinear inverse reconstruction

Velocity-encoded phase-contrast MRI of cardiovascular blood flow commonly relies on electrocardiogram-synchronized cine acquisitions of multiple heartbeats to quantitatively determine the flow of an averaged cardiac cycle. Here, we present a new method for real-time phase-contrast MRI that combines flow-encoding gradients with highly undersampled radial fast low-angle shot acquisitions and phase-sensitive image reconstructions by regularized nonlinear inversion. Apart from calibration studies using steady and pulsatile flow, preliminary in vivo applications focused on through-plane flow in the ascending aorta of healthy subjects. With bipolar velocity-encoding gradients of alternating polarity that overlap the slice-refocusing gradient, the method yields flow-encoded images with an in-plane resolution of 1.8 mm, section thickness of 6 mm and measuring time at 3 T of 24 ms (TR/TE = 3.44/2.76 ms; flip angle, 10º; seven radial spokes per image). Accordingly, phase-contrast maps and corresponding velocity profiles achieve a temporal resolution of 48 ms. The evaluated peak velocities, stroke volumes, flow rates and respective variances over at least 20 consecutive heartbeats are in general agreement with literature data.

Flow measurement in MRI using arterial spin labeling with cumulative readout pulses—Theory and validation

This article systematically examines arterial spin labeling (ASL) as a flow quantification technique through theoretical simulation, in vitro, and in vivo experiment. The authors present a novel imaging pulse sequence design consisting of a single ASL magnetization preparation followed by Look-Locker-like image readouts. Bloch-equation-based modeling has been developed and validated using a hemodialyzer as a tissue-mimicking flow phantom. After the single in-plane slice-selective double inversion magnetization preparation, multiple TFL readouts are acquired with linear k-space ordering, causing a signal variation that depends on through-slice flow velocity. Computer simulations were performed to assess the behavior of the flow-dependent ASL signal as a function of varying imaging parameters. The signal was optimized by choosing imaging parameters that maximize the simulated flow-sensitive signal. Furthermore, a hemodialyzer which mimics blood flow in human tissues was tested with a wide range of flow rates. An exponential curve fitting of the flow-sensitive dynamics to the model derived from Bloch equations provides a method to estimate through-slice velocity for varying flow rates on the hemodialyzer and in vivo human brain. The flow dependency of the ASL signal and the sensitivity of the ASL signal to imaging parameters were demonstrated. Experimental results from a hemodialyzer when fitted with a Bloch-equation-based model provide flow measurements that are consistent with ground truth velocities. Human brain velocity mapping was obtained as well. The results provide evidence that the proposed pulse sequence design is an effective technique to measure total fluid flow through image voxels. The unique combination of the two main features, multiple-image readout after a single ASL preparation and linear acquisition ordering in the phase encoding direction in TFL imaging, make this technique an appealing flow imaging method to quantify through-plane flow in a time-efficient manner.

Multiscale Simulation of Single-Phase Multicomponent Transport in the Cathode Gas Diffusion Layer of a Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell

A feasibility study into the development and application of a single-phase multi-component (SPMC) lattice Boltzmann (LB) model to simulate the movement of a three-species gas through the cathode gas diffusion layer (GDL) of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) has been reported in this paper. The porous geometry of the GDL is captured and digitally reconstructed for the numerical model using X-ray computed micro-tomography. The boundary conditions at the channel and catalyst layer interfaces for the SPMC-LB simulations including species partial pressures and through-plane flow rates are obtained using a previously-developed and validated electrochemical model of the complete multi-layer PEFC, which is based on the general transport equation (GTE). The results reveal that the SPMC-LB model has the capability to precisely detail the distribution of multi-species gas components through the heterogeneous porous structure of the GDL.

Extrinsic multiecho phase-contrast SSFP: evaluation on cardiac output measurements

Multiecho phase-contrast steady-state free precession (PC-SSFP) is a recently introduced sequence for flow quantification. In this multiecho approach, a phase reference and a velocity-encoded readout were acquired at different echo times after a single excitation. In this study, the sequence is validated in vitro for stationary flow. Subsequently, the sequence was evaluated on cardiac output measurements in vivo for through-plane flow in comparison to regular single gradient echo velocity quantification [phase-contrast spoiled gradient echo (PC-GE)]. In vitro results agreed with regular flow meters (RMS 0.1 cm/s). Cardiac output measurements with multiecho PC-SSFP on 10 healthy subjects gave on average the same results as the standard PC-GE. However, the limits of repeatability of PC-SSFP were significantly larger than those of PC-GE (2 l/min and 0.5 l/min, respectively, P=.001). The multiecho approach introduced some specific problems in vivo. The difference in echo times made the velocity maps sensitive for water-fat shifts and B(0)-drifts, which in turn made velocity offset correction problematic. Also, the addition of a single bipolar gradient cancelled the flow compensated nature of the SSFP sequence. In combination with the prolonged TR, this resulted in flow artifacts caused by high and pulsatile through-plane flow, affecting repeatability. Given the significantly lower repeatability of PC-SSFP, cardiac output in turn is less reliable, thus impairing the use of multiecho PC-SSFP.

Volumetric Cardiac Quantification by Using 3D Dual-Phase Whole-Heart MR Imaging

This study was approved by the local institutional ethics committee, and informed consent was obtained from all volunteers and patients. The purpose of the study was to assess ventricular volumes by using three-dimensional (3D) whole-heart data sets acquired during end-systolic and end-diastolic phases during one free-breathing magnetic resonance imaging examination. In five healthy volunteers and 10 patients, 3D dual cardiac phase data sets, short-axis multisection breath-hold images, and through-plane flow images of the great vessels were acquired. Within these data sets, statistic analyses were performed to compare stroke, end-systolic, and end-diastolic volumes for the left ventricle (LV) and the right ventricle (RV). Results showed that the breath-hold multisection approach, the flow measurement approach, and the new dual-phase 3D approach delivered comparable results for quantification of cardiac volumes and function. High correlation values greater than 0.95 were found when these methods were compared, and no significant differences were recognized for stroke, end-systolic, or end-diastolic volumes in either the LV or the RV.

Quantitative assessment of ventricular function using three‐dimensional SSFP magnetic resonance angiography

To evaluate three-dimensional (3D), free-breathing, steady-state free precession (SSFP) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) for volumetric assessment of ventricular function. In 18 subjects (mean age = 21.5 years) 3D datasets of the heart and great vessels were acquired using an ECG-triggered, free-breathing SSFP technique with a T2-preparation prepulse. Data were acquired during end-systole (ES) and end-diastole (ED) for assessment of stroke volumes (SVs). Through-plane flow measurements of the great arteries were performed as well as 2D-cine SSFP imaging for comparison. For image analysis of the 3D SSFP datasets a simplex mesh model was used. Papillary muscles were excluded from ventricular volumes using thresholds. Intra- and interobserver variability (Bland-Altman analysis) and correlations (Pearson's coefficient) between volumetric and flow measurements were assessed. ES and ED datasets were acquired successfully in all subjects. The best correlation was observed between flow vs. 3D SSFP SV for the LV (r = 0.85, mean difference = -1.0 mL) and the RV (r = 0.89, mean difference = -2.2 mL) with high intra- (LV: r = 0.93; RV: r = 0.94) and interobserver (LV: r = 0.91; RV: r = 0.93) reproducibility. 3D SSFP datasets combined with semiautomatic segmentation algorithms allow highly accurate and reproducible assessment of left (LV) and right ventricular (RV) SVs in free-breathing subjects.

Rapid dark‐blood carotid vessel‐wall imaging with random bipolar gradients in a radial SSFP acquisition

To investigate and evaluate a new rapid dark-blood vessel-wall imaging method using random bipolar gradients with a radial steady-state free precession (SSFP) acquisition in carotid applications. The carotid artery bifurcations of four asymptomatic volunteers (28-37 years old, mean age = 31 years) were included in this study. Dark-blood contrast was achieved through the use of random bipolar gradients applied prior to the signal acquisition of each radial projection in a balanced SSFP acquisition. The resulting phase variation for moving spins established significant destructive interference in the low-frequency region of k-space. This phase variation resulted in a net nulling of the signal from flowing spins, while the bipolar gradients had a minimal effect on the static spins. The net effect was that the regular SSFP signal amplitude (SA) in stationary tissues was preserved while dark-blood contrast was achieved for moving spins. In this implementation, application of the random bipolar gradient pulses along all three spatial directions nulled the signal from both in-plane and through-plane flow in phantom and in vivo studies. In vivo imaging trials confirmed that dark-blood contrast can be achieved with the radial random bipolar SSFP method, thereby substantially reversing the vessel-to-lumen contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of a conventional rectilinear SSFP "bright-blood" acquisition from bright blood to dark blood with only a modest increase in TR (approximately 4 msec) to accommodate the additional bipolar gradients. Overall, this sequence offers a simple and effective dark-blood contrast mechanism for high-SNR SSFP acquisitions in vessel wall imaging within a short acquisition time.

Flow effects in balanced steady state free precession imaging.

An analysis of the effect of flow on 2D fully balanced steady state free precession (SSFP) imaging is presented. Transient and steady-state SSFP signal intensities in the presence of steady and pulsatile flow were simulated using a matrix formalism based on the Bloch equations. Various through-plane flow waveforms and rates were modeled numerically considering factors such as the excitation slice profile and both in- and out-flow effects. Phantom measurements in an experimental setup that allowed the assessment of SSFP signal properties as a function of frequency offset and flow rate demonstrated that the computer simulations provided a suitable description of the effects of flow in SSFP imaging. A volunteer scan was performed to provide in vivo validations. For accurate modeling of SSFP signal intensities it is crucial to include effects such as imperfect slice profiles and, more importantly, "out-of-slice" contributions to the signal. Both simulations and experiments show that there can be considerably large-frequency offset dependent-signal contributions from flowing spins that have already left the imaging slice but still add to the SSFP signal. Although spins leaving the slice do not experience additional RF-excitation, gradient activity is not confined to the region of excitations and the balanced nature of the SSFP imaging gradients allows "out-of-slice" transverse magnetization to contribute to the total SSFP signal, effectively by broadening the slice thickness for flowing spins. This results in a frequency dependence of in-flow related signal enhancement and flow artifacts.

Cardiovascular Flow Measurement with Phase-Contrast MR Imaging: Basic Facts and Implementation

Phase-contrast magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is a well-known but undervalued method of obtaining quantitative information on blood flow. Applications of this technique in cardiovascular MR imaging are expanding. According to the sequences available, phase-contrast measurement can be performed in a breath hold or during normal respiration. Prospective as well as retrospective gating techniques can be used. Common errors in phase-contrast imaging include mismatched encoding velocity, deviation of the imaging plane, inadequate temporal resolution, inadequate spatial resolution, accelerated flow and spatial misregistration, and phase offset errors. Flow measurements are most precise if the imaging plane is perpendicular to the vessel of interest and flow encoding is set to through-plane flow. The sequence should be repeated at least once, with a high encoding velocity used initially. If peak velocity has to be estimated, flow measurement is repeated with an adapted encoding velocity. The overall error of a phase-contrast flow measurement comprises errors during prescription as well as errors that occur during image analysis of the flow data. With phase-contrast imaging, the overall error in flow measurement can be reduced to less than 10%, an acceptable level of error for routine clinical use.

Effect of acquisition parameters on the accuracy of velocity encoded cine magnetic resonance imaging blood flow measurements.

To investigate the effect of acquisition parameters on the accuracy of 2D velocity encoded cine magnetic resonance imaging (VEC MRI) flow measurements. Using a pulsatile flow phantom, through-plane flow measurements were performed on a flexible vessel made of polyvinyl alcohol cryogel (PVA), a material that mimics the MR signal and biomechanical properties of aortic tissue. Repeated VEC MRI flow measurements (N = 20) under baseline conditions yielded an error of 0.8 +/- 1.5%. Slice thickness, angle between flow and velocity encoding directions, spatial resolution, velocity encoding range, and radio frequency (RF) flip angles were varied over a clinically relevant range. Spatial resolution had the greatest impact on accuracy, with a 9% overestimation of flow at 16 pixels per vessel cross-section. VEC MRI proved to be an accurate and reproducible technique for pulsatile flow measurements over the range of acquisition parameters examined as long as sufficient spatial resolution was prescribed.

Real-time black-blood MRI using spatial presaturation.

A real-time interactive black-blood imaging system is described. Rapid blood suppression is achieved by exciting and dephasing slabs outside the imaging slice before each imaging excitation. Sharp-profiled radio frequency saturation pulses placed close to the imaging slice provide good blood suppression, even in views containing slow through-plane flow. In vivo results indicate that this technique improves endocardial border definition during systole in real-time cardiac wall-motion studies. Phantom and animal results indicate that this technique nearly eliminates flow artifacts in real-time intravascular studies. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2001;13:807-812.

MR fluoroscopy using projection reconstruction multi-gradient-echo (prMGE) MRI.

A projection reconstruction multi-gradient-echo (prMGE) technique is presented. The introduced technique is an extension of a standard projection reconstruction steady-state gradient-echo technique allowing for the acquisition of several gradient echoes after each excitation of the spin system. Each echo train is used for acquiring data of a certain angular segment of k-space. By use of echo trains consisting of up to four echoes, the overall acquisition time for a 128(2) image can be reduced to 150 ms without sacrificing image quality. Results are presented for cardiac fluoroscopy, for the visualization of swallowing, and for the visualization of joint motion. For all investigated applications promising results have been obtained. Especially in parts of the body where motion on an even shorter time scale than the acquisition process or significant in-plane or through-plane flow are within the field of view, the introduced technique appears to be a promising technique for MR fluoroscopy. Magn Reson Med 42:324-334, 1999.

Velocity mapping of coronary artery blood flow

A segmentedk-space gradient-echo phase velocity mapping sequence has been developed for the measurement of through-plane and in-plane coronary artery blood flow velocity in a single breath-hold. The sequence was validated in phantom models representing stenosed and unste-nosed coronary arteries and also in the descending aortas of several normal volunteers. In-plane and through-planein vivo velocity maps of coronary arteries in normal subjects have been obtained and the problems associated with their acquisition are discussed.

Measurement of normal renal artery blood flow: cine phase-contrast MR imaging vs clearance of p-aminohippurate.

The purpose of this study was to compare cine phase-contrast MR imaging with renal clearance of p-aminohippurate for measuring normal renal blood flow. A reliable technique for evaluation of renal hemodynamics would be useful for studying renal vascular diseases and the effects of treatment. Measurements of renal blood flow based on renal clearance of p-aminohippurate are limited in that the kidneys are not studied separately, temporal resolution is poor, and normal renal function is required. Bilateral oblique sagittal cine phase-contrast MR images were obtained simultaneously in 10 healthy adult volunteers, with the imaging planes oriented perpendicular to the left and right renal arteries in order to measure through-plane flow. Velocity encoding was 150 cm/sec (seven of 10 volunteers) and 100 cm/sec (eight of 10 volunteers). Axial cine phase-contrast images of the abdominal aorta above and below the origins of the renal arteries were obtained in six volunteers. In these cases, renal blood flow was determined by measuring the difference between suprarenal and infrarenal aortic flow. For all volunteers, renal clearance of p-aminohippurate was determined immediately after MR measurements. Renal blood flow measurements determined by using cine phase-contrast MR imaging were in close agreement with those determined by using clearance of p-aminohippurate. At a velocity encoding of 150 cm/sec, the mean difference was 69 ml/min (95% confidence interval, -31 to 169 ml/min). At a velocity encoding of 100 cm/sec, the mean difference was 39 ml/min (95% confidence interval, -100 to 177 ml/min). Aortic flow measurements using cine phase-contrast MR imaging appeared to be less reliable for determining renal blood flow than measurements in the individual renal arteries, with a mean difference of -75 ml/min (95% confidence interval, -381 to 231 ml/min) compared with renal blood flow determined by using clearance of p-aminohippurate. We conclude that cine phase-contrast MR imaging is a promising technique for noninvasive measurement of renal blood flow. Measurements agreed closely with those obtained by using clearance of p-aminohippurate. In addition, the MR technique is faster, can be used to measure unilateral or bilateral renal blood flow, and does not depend on renal function.

Flow dynamics of cerebrospinal fluid: assessment with phase-contrast velocity MR imaging performed with retrospective cardiac gating.

To visualize the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) throughout the ventricles and subarachnoid space, measure mean and maximum CSF velocities, and quantitate CSF flow through the aqueduct of Sylvius, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was performed with a sagittal technique that is flow-sensitive in the craniocaudal direction (along the readout axis) and a high-resolution axial technique sensitive to through-plane flow in three healthy subjects and 19 patients with known or suspected disorders of the CSF circulation. In both techniques, retrospective cardiac gating was used to cover the complete cardiac cycle. The sagittal technique was superior in overall assessment of CSF flow dynamics, including the motion of adjacent brain parenchyma. The high-resolution axial technique provided an accurate measurement of the rate of CSF flow through the aqueduct; only this technique provided sufficient accuracy to enable distinction between normal and hyperdynamic CSF flow. It is concluded that assessment of CSF flow dynamics is a useful adjunct to routine MR imaging in communicating and obstructive hydrocephalus.

Determination of Flow Velocities from Magnetic Resonance Multiple Spin-Echo Images

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a method for the quantification of through-plane flow velocities by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) from the flow characteristics of conventional multiple spin-echo (MSE) signals. Simulated inflow-outflow-dependent signals, as well as images of a flow phantom were generated and the logarithm of the flow-dependent signal value was plotted against echo time. The normalized slope of the resulting curve was calculated using a least-square fit to simulated and experimental data and was corrected for T2 relaxation effects by subtraction of a slope obtained at zero flow. After this correction, and with certain restrictions regarding the flow velocity (v), maximum number of echoes in the slope calculation and slice thickness (L), the normalized slope of the MSE signal becomes equal to the quotient v/L, and from this relation the flow velocity can be determined. The validity of the proposed method was examined for different flow velocities and for two opposite flow directions. The influence of the size of the region of interest and the number of spin echoes used in the calculation of the slope on the accuracy of the velocity determination was also studied. The sensitivity of the method to flow-induced phase changes was examined in the phantom by comparing the results obtained with different strengths of the slice-selective gradient as well as by comparing results from even-echo data with those from odd-echo data.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)