Neurovascular 4DFlow MRI (Phase Contrast MRA): emerging clinical applications

Abstract

Recent advances in 4DFlow MRI (Phase Contrast MRA) acquisition and reconstruction enable high resolution exams to be obtained in practical imaging times. 4DFlow MRI provides images of vascular morphology and quantitative measurements of blood velocity throughout a 3D imaging volume. Hemodynamic parameters such as flow volume, relative wall shear stress, streamlines, vorticity and pressure gradients can be derived from the velocity data. The combination of anatomic vessel wall imaging, lumen visualization and physiologic data derived from accelerated 4DFlow MRI augments the characterization of intracranial arterial stenosis, aneurysms, vascular malformations and dural sinus pathology. This review provides an update for clinicians interested in 4DFlow MRI of the brain.