Going with the flow: Implementing a 4D flow MRI program at a children’s hospital

Aparna Sodhi*, Nicholas K. Brown, Joshua D. Robinson, Andrada R. Popescu, Michael Markl, Cynthia K. Rigsby

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Four-dimensional phase contrast MRI (4D flow) has emerged as a versatile imaging technique for comprehensive visualization and both qualitative and quantitative assessment of cardiovascular blood flow. 4D flow is a three-dimensional, time-resolved acquisition that is gated to the cardiac cycle. 4D flow provides cardiovascular velocity and flow assessment across the volume of acquisition and yields a multitude of advanced hemodynamic parameters that help to assess the impact of cardiovascular disease on flow and vice versa, guiding the clinical and surgical management of patients with congenital and acquired heart disease. In the past, lengthy scan acquisition and complex post-processing workflows hindered 4D flow adoption into routine clinical practice. Decreasing image acquisition times and improvements in post-processing techniques have made 4D flow a clinically useful tool. The purpose of this communication is to facilitate more widespread adoption of 4D flow by describing its clinical utility, technical acquisition, optimization, and post-processing in pediatric cardiovascular imaging at our center. Graphical abstract: (Figure presented.)

Original languageEnglish (US)
JournalPediatric radiology
DOIs
StateAccepted/In press - 2024

Keywords

  • Cardiovascular
  • Congenital heart disease
  • Flow visualization
  • Four-dimensional flow (4D flow)
  • Hemodynamics
  • Magnetic resonance imaging
  • Pediatrics

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging

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