Abstract #0725

3D Aortic Blood Flow in Patients with Marfan Syndrome: Changes in Hemodynamics & Correlation with Aortic Geometry

Michael Markl¹, Julia Geiger², Lena Herzer³, Brigitte Stiller³, Raoul Arnold³

¹Radiology, Medical Physics, University Medical Center, Freiburg , Germany; ²Radiology, Medical Physics, University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany; ³Pediatric Cardiology, University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany

The aim of this study was to apply flow-sensitive 4D MRI for the comprehensive characterizations of flow pattern changes in clinically unsuspicious Marfan patients (without aortic disease) and to evaluate the effect of aortic geometry on hemodynamic alterations. Results were compared to findings in healthy volunteers and patients with suspected Marfan syndrome. Helix and vortex flow was clearly enhanced in the descending aorta of Marfan patients and was associated with significantly increased valve and aortic diameters. Flow-sensitive 4D MRI may help to identify Marfan patients at risk for cardiovascular complications and to assign appropriate therapies prior to these complications.