Reverse aortic flow causing plaque embolization from the descending aorta (DAo) has been identified as a new source of stroke but the underlying cause of flow reversal is unclear. There is evidence that aortic stiffness can cause flow reversal but no study has investigated this relationship in detail. This study used high-temporal resolution 4D flow MRI to evaluate aortic stiffness and regional aortic flow reversal in patients with cryptogenic stroke. Elevated PWV was associated with reverse flow in areas of the aortic arch and DAo providing evidence for aortic stiffness and flow reversal as a potential embolic mechanism.
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