Heart-induced movements in the thorax as detected by MRI

TL;DR

This study maps thoracic movements caused by the heart using MRI, revealing significant displacements and coupling effects, which could inform radar-based diagnostic techniques.

Contribution

It provides a qualitative MRI-based map of heart-induced thoracic movements, highlighting displacement patterns and mechanical coupling effects.

Findings

Largest movements in anterior and left heart regions (~1cm displacement)

Lung vessel displacements of 2-3mm due to heart motion

Aorta shape distortions linked to heart-aorta mechanical coupling

Abstract

In order to provide information for the use of radar in diagnostics a qualitative map of movements in the thorax has been obtained. This map was based on magnetic resonance image sequences of a human thorax during suspended respiration. The movements were measured using two distinct techniques. Segmentation provided measures of aorta dilatation and displacements, and image edge detection indicated other movements. The largest heart movements were found in the anterior and left regions of the heart with in-plane displacements on the order of 1 cm and which caused lung vessels displacements on the order of 2-3mm especially on the left side due to the heart ventricular. Mechanical coupling between the heart and aorta caused aorta displacements and shape distortions. Despite this coupling, aorta dilatations most likely reflected blood pressure variations.