4D-Flow MRI: Technique and Applications

Abstract

Background Blood flow through the cavities of the heart and great vessels is pulsatile and is subject to time and multidirectional variations. To date, the recording of blood flow in multiple directions and phases has been limited. 4D-flow MRI offers advantages for the recording, visualization and analysis of blood flow. Method The status quo of the method was summarized through analysis with the PubMed database using the keywords “4D-flow MRI, phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging, MR flow imaging/visualization, MR flow quantification, 3 D cine (time-resolved) phase-contrast CMR, three-directional velocity-encoding MRI”. Results/Conclusion This review summarizes the current status of the technical development of 4D-flow MRI, discusses its advantages and disadvantages and describes clinical applications. Finally, the most important principles and parameters are explained to give the reader relevant information about clinical indications, postprocessing methods and limitations of the method. Key Points:  Citation Format