MR Elastography of the In Vivo Abdominal Aorta: Feasibility Study

Arunark Kolipaka¹, David A. Woodrum¹, Krzysztof R. Gorny¹, Oscar I. Garcia Medina¹, Anthony J. Romano², Richard L. Ehman¹

To date there is no noninvasive method to reliably estimate the stiffness of the abdominal aorta. We are investigating MR elastography to estimate the stiffness of in vivo abdominal aorta in normals and controlled hypertensive volunteer. Our preliminary results suggest that discernible waves are observed in the abdominal aorta, and controlled hypertensive volunteer has shown higher stiffness measurement when compared to normal volunteers. Therefore, MRE technique is feasible and can be used to examine the stiffness of the abdominal aorta.