Alejandro Roldn-Alzate1, Heidi B. Kellihan2,
Daniel W. Consigny1, Eric J. Niespodzany1, Christopher
J. Franois1, Oliver Wieben1,3, Naomi C. Chesler4,
Alex Frydrychowicz1
1Radiology, University of
Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States; 2Veterinary Medicine, University
of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States; 3Medical Physics,
University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States; 4Biomedical
Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
The hemodynamics in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and mechanisms of associated heart failure are not well understood. Non-invasive imaging techniques enable qualitative and quantitative assessment ofcardiopulmonary status during PAH progression. We hypothesized that large that 4D velocity (MRI) could be effectively used to visualize hemodynamics in a dog model of acute PAH and assess right ventricular (RV) function. In addition, we hypothesized that pulmonary artery stiffening with PAH would alter blood flow patterns. Results demonstrate a significant increase in PA stiffness as determined by relative area change measurements and altered hemodynamics that provide a potential mechanism for RV dysfunction.