Four-dimensional Flow MRI for a Dynamic Perspective on the Heart and Adjacent Great Vessels.

Abstract

Four-dimensional (4D) flow MRI provides impressive images of dynamic three-dimensional blood flow patterns in the heart and adjacent great vessels, offering detailed insights into their complex nature and their variation over time. The technique not only extends the dimensionality of the well-established two-dimensional (2D) flow method but also adds comprehensive visualization to the quantification of blood flow velocities and flow volumes. Unique 4D flow metrics such as energy, energy losses, pressure gradients, vorticity, and vessel wall shear stress enable better understanding of pathophysiologic mechanisms that contribute to cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of 4D flow-derived metrics and their application in disorders of the heart and adjacent great vessels. To support the integration of 4D flow MRI into clinical workflows, relationships between 4D flow parameters and commonly assessed 2D flow or echocardiographic velocity- and flow-related parameters are extensively discussed. Moreover, the rationale behind 4D flow-specific metrics is explained, and their potential to enhance diagnosis, prognosis, and management of cardiovascular diseases is discussed. Published under a CC BY 4.0 license. <i>Supplemental material is available for this article.</i>