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Flow-sensitive 3D magnetic resonance imaging reveals complex blood flow alterations in aortic Dacron graft repair

^a Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University Hospital Freiburg, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Hugstetter Str. 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
^b Medical Physics, University Hospital Freiburg, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Hugstetter Str. 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
^c Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital Freiburg, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Hugstetter Str. 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany

*Corresponding author: Tel.: +49-761-270-3802; fax: +49-761-270-3842.

E-mail address: alex.frydrychowicz{at}uniklinik-freiburg.de (A. Frydrychowicz).

A thorough knowledge of both vascular anatomy and hemodynamics is of high interest for the understanding of the severity of the underlying disease, the therapeutic decision-making and follow-up. In this context, flow-sensitive 3D magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers the possibility to simultaneously acquire detailed information about vascular hemodynamics and morphology. Recent methodological progress, extensive validation of the technique and combination with advanced 3D blood flow visualization enables nowadays for a detailed depiction of normal and altered flow characteristics in large arteries such as the thoracic and abdominal aorta. We report the comprehensive MR analysis of hemodynamic alterations in an otherwise healthy patient who underwent a Dacron graft repair after traumatic rupture of the proximal descending aorta. Flow-sensitive time-resolved 3D MRI was employed to analyze the effects of the implantation of a Dacron prosthesis on local vascular hemodynamics. Despite the unsuspicious appearance on angiographic images, 3D blood flow visualization revealed the development of complex and substantially altered systolic blood flow within the graft. These initial findings might in future enrich vascular diagnostics, therapeutic decision making, graft design, or serve as a comprehensive research tool.

Key Words: Cardiovascular MRI; Blood flow; Dacron graft, Velocity mapping; Aorta; Hemodynamics