Cardiovascular applications of magnetic resonance flow measurement

Abstract

Magnetic resonance flow measurement is a technique that can be applied in many areas of cardiovascular diagnosis. It is unique in its ability to acquire comprehensive velocity and spatial information, which makes it an accurate quantitative tool. In the evaluation of valvular heart disease and congenital heart disease, use of MR flow imaging is well established. In the assessment of coronary artery disease, MR quantification of coronary flow, in conjunction with other MR techniques, makes MR imaging a highly versatile diagnostic imaging modality. This article will review the clinical applications of MR flow measurement, as well as cover some of the basic physical principles underlying the technique, and the associated technical limitations.