Rapid Aortic Wave Velocity Measurement with MR Imaging

Abstract

The utility of a one-dimensional magnetic resonance (MR) sequence to rapidly and accurately measure wave velocity in vivo was evaluated. Studies were conducted in the thoracic aortas of 20 healthy subjects of varying age, and the MR method was validated in a compliant tube model. Aortic wave velocity ranged from 3.8 to 9.7 m/sec and demonstrated a positive correlation with subjects' age. Peak blood velocity ranged from 47 to 125 cm/sec and exhibited a strong negative correlation with subjects' age.