Alex Frydrychowicz1,
Michael Markl2, Eric Niespodzany1, Christian Schlensak3,
Mark Schiebler1, Christopher J. Franois1
1Department of
Radiology, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, USA; 2Department
of Radiology, Medical Physics, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg,
Germany; 3Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital
Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
The aim of this study was to evaluate the hemodynamics in patients with chronic aortic dissection using 4D velocity mapping. A large variety of altered flow patterns was observed associated with different extents of disease, vessel dilatation, and post therapeutic anatomy. In contrast to well-described normal aortic flow patterns, a multitude of additional vortices and helices was observed in these patients, indicating a high degree of potentially abnormal, disorganized flow. Changes in secondary flow patterns were also present, such as enhanced retrograde flow. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using 4D velocity mapping for the hemodynamic evaluation of chronic aortic dissection.