Parametric Sequential Method for MRI-based Wall Shear Stress Quantification

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new parametric sequential method for quantifying wall shear stress from MRI data, validated on in vitro flows and demonstrated in vivo on human aortas, improving cardiovascular disease assessment.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel two-step MRI-based WSS quantification method combining geometry identification and velocity approximation, validated on controlled experiments and initial in vivo data.

Findings

Validated on high-resolution in vitro flow measurements.

Demonstrated applicability to in vivo MRI data of human aortas.

Shows potential for improved cardiovascular disease biomarkers.

Abstract

Wall shear stress (WSS) has been suggested as a potential biomarker in various cardiovascular diseases and it can be estimated from phase-contrast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (PC-MRI) velocity measurements. We present a new parametric sequential method for MRI-based WSS quantification consisting of a geometry identification and a subsequent approximation of the velocity field. The new method was validated on well controlled, high resolution in vitro measurements of turbulent stationary flows and physiological pulsatile flows in phantoms. Basic applicability to in vivo was demonstrated using 2D PC-MRI data of the ascending aorta of three volunteers.