The effect of valve annulus tracking on mitral valve regurgitation: A comparative in vitro study between ultrasound and 4D flow MRI

Motivation: Mitral valve regurgitation (MVR) is the most common heart valve diseases, but accurate quantification of MVR has been limited due to the dynamic motion of valves. Goal(s): We hypothesize that volumetric flow information by 4D flow MRI with the compensation of MV motion could address this challenge. Approach: MVR was measured using a simulated-in vitro model by comparing with actual flow from pump, ultrasound, and 4D flow MRI with/without a mitral registration algorithm. Results: PISA method overestimated MVR. 4D flow MRI without algorithm seems to have similar the amount of actual MVR, while it decreased with employing algorithm. Impact: Accurate quantification of regurgitation plays an important role for diagnosing patients with valvular diseases. This study would have a chance to measure accurate MVR quantification and quantify complex intracardiac blood flow using 4D flow MRI.