Arrhythmia Resolved 5D Flow Imaging Decodes the Effect of Arrhythmias on Flow Energetics

Motivation: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with increased stroke risk due to slower left atrial blood flow. AF patients also have heightened risk for secondary arrhythmias, whose impact on atrial flow is not as well understood, especially in the setting of atrial myopathy Goal(s): The goal of this study was to examine atrial blood flow and flow energetics in AF patients in sinus rhythm, secondary arrhythmias, and AF, itself. Approach: We utilized 5D flow MRI (5D=x,y,z,t,heart rate) to resolve atrial blood flow and energetics within arrhythmias. Results: AF and secondary arrhythmias demonstrated heart rate variable and slower atrial blood flow than sinus rhythm subjects. Impact: 5D flow MRI (5D=x,y,z,t,heart rate) successfully resolved heart rate variable effects on atrial blood flow of multiple arrhythmias in AF patients. Impact of secondary arrhythmias in AF patients and their contribution to stroke risk may be better understood.