Dual-Venc 5D flow MRI for Increased Velocity Dynamic Range: An in vivo Validation Study

Motivation: Single-venc 5D flow is useful for measuring the impact of respiration on hemodynamics, however, its single velocity encoding sensitivity (venc) limit its utility in congenital heart disease patients where both venous and arterial measurements are clinically necessary. Goal(s): We aimed to validate respiratory-resolved dual-venc 5D flow measurements in vivo. Approach: Nine healthy volunteers underwent CMR studies including dual-venc 5D flow, single-venc 5D flow, and 4D flow. Net flow and peak flow were compared. Results: We found good agreement of net flow and peak flow with both 4D flow and single-venc 5D flow MRI, with an 85% increase in velocity-to-noise ratio. Impact: Dual-venc 5D flow increases velocity-to-noise ratio by 85% compared to single-venc 5D flow with good agreement in respiratory-resolved flow measurements. The method may improve simultaneous measurement of venous and arterial flows, which is often necessary in congenital heart disease patients.