Measurement of common carotid artery lumen dynamics during the cardiac cycle using magnetic resonance TrueFISP cine imaging

J Magn Reson Imaging. 2008 Dec;28(6):1527-32. doi: 10.1002/jmri.21527.

Abstract

Purpose: To demonstrate magnetic resonance (MR) measurements of vascular lumen dynamics in common carotid arteries by using true fast imaging with steady-state precession (TrueFISP) cine imaging with an aim to provide additional physiologic information on the vessels.

Materials and methods: The left and right common carotid arteries were studied in normal young men (N = 6; age = 21-24 years; body weight = 130-175 lbs) using electrocardiogram (ECG)-triggered TrueFISP cine imaging at 20 frames per cardiac cycle. Lumen area waveforms were characterized with specific time and amplitude ratios. Distension values were quantified.

Results: Distension values were measured at 25.92 +/- 2.58% and 27.58 +/- 4.44% for the left and right common carotid arteries, respectively. These findings are consistent with those previously documented using ultrasound imaging in a similar age group. Consistent lumen area waveform characteristics were found among the subjects studied.

Conclusion: These findings demonstrate for the first time that the use of TrueFISP cine imaging is a robust, rapid technique for quantifying carotid lumen area dynamics and distension, which may be valuable in characterizing and diagnosing cardiovascular diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Carotid Artery, Common / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Cine / methods*
  • Male
  • Pulsatile Flow