Normal Local Pulse Wave Velocity Predicts Absence of Local Aorta Diameter Growth in Marfan Syndrome: A Comprehensive MRI-Approach

Jos J. M. Westenberg¹, Patrick J. H. de Koning¹, Pieter J. van Den Boogaard¹, Dennis Hendriksen¹, Johan H. C. Reiber¹, Albert de Roos¹, Rob J. van Der Geest¹

In a comprehensive MRI-approach, patients with Marfan syndrome are evaluated at baseline and at two year follow up. Pulse wave velocity, assessed from two-directional velocity-encoded MRI, is locally assessed in the aorta and compared with local aortic diameter growth, assessed from contrast-enhanced MR angiography of the aorta. With this new imaging tool, normal local aortic pulse wave velocity assessed with two-directional velocity-encoded MRI predicts in 89% of the cases absence of aortic diameter growth in patients with Marfan syndrome after two years follow up.