4D flow MRI based quantification of regional stiffness in the thoracic aorta in stroke patients compared to transesophageal echocardiography

Our purpose was to quantify regional stiffness in the aorta in stroke patients using 4D flow MRI based pulse-wave-velocity quantification in comparison with stiffness quantification using parameters based on transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). MRI and TEE based stiffness parameters were highly correlated and increased stiffness as measured using 4D flow MRI and TEE was associated with presence of atherosclerosis. Accordingly, we were able to predict the presence of atherosclerotic lesions with high sensitivity and specificity using both, 4D flow MRI and TEE. Hence, especially non-invasive 4D flow MRI can be used in future longitudinal studies investigating early development of atherosclerotic lesions.