Combining 4D balanced SSFP and 4D flow MRI for highly localized 3D pulse wave velocity calculations

Motivation: To measure 3D pulse wave velocity (PWV) for the investigation of arterial stiffness on a local scale which could benefit patients with aortic disease. Goal(s): To calculate aortic 3D PWV with the flow-area method and compare with the global method. Approach: The flow-area method for PWV calculation is applied to 4D flow data combined with automatically-segmented 4D balanced SSFP scans along the thoracic aorta. Results: This measurement is feasible and shows the expected trend of increasing PWV along the length of the aorta. Averaged values corresponded moderately with the global method. Impact: Increased arterial stiffness measured by PWV is a well-established risk factor for adverse cardiac events. Development of novel MRI technology to locally map arterial stiffness may allow for improved risk-stratification in cardiovascular disease and ultimately guide therapy.