Novel Technique to Measure Pulse Wave Velocity in Brain Vessels Using a Fast Simultaneous Multi-Slice Excitation Magnetic Resonance Sequence

In this study, we proposed a novel pulse wave velocity (PWV) technique to determine cerebrovascular stiffness using a 3-tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to overcome the various shortcomings of existing PWV techniques for cerebral-artery PWV, such as long scan times and complicated procedures. The technique was developed by combining a simultaneous multi-slice (SMS) excitation pulse sequence with keyhole acquisition and reconstruction (SMS-K). The SMS-K technique for cerebral-artery PWV was evaluated using phantom and human experiments. In the results, common and internal carotid arteries (CCA and ICA) were acquired simultaneously in an image with a high temporal resolution-of 48 ms for one measurement. Vascular signals at 500 time points acquired within 30 s could generate pulse waveforms of CCA and ICA with 26 heartbeats, allowing for the detection of PWV changes over time. The results demonstrated that the SMS-K technique could provide more PWV information with a simple procedure within a short period of time. The procedural convenience and advantages of PWV measurements will make it more appropriate for clinical applications.

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Normal and reference values for cardiovascular magnetic resonance-based pulse wave velocity in the middle-aged general population

Journal of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance ◽

10.1186/s12968-021-00739-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 23 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Max J. van Hout ◽

Ilona A. Dekkers ◽

Jos J. Westenberg ◽

Martin J. Schalij ◽

Ralph L. Widya ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance ◽

Magnetic Resonance ◽

General Population ◽

Pulse Wave Velocity ◽

Wave Velocity ◽

Reference Values ◽

Pulse Wave ◽

Disease Risk ◽

Cardiovascular Disease Risk

Abstract Background Aortic stiffness, assessed through pulse wave velocity (PWV), is an independent predictor for cardiovascular disease risk. However, the scarce availability of normal and reference values for cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) based PWV is limiting clinical implementation. The aim of this study was to determine normal and reference values for CMR assessed PWV in the general population. Methods From the 2,484 participants of the Netherlands Epidemiology of Obesity (NEO) study that have available CMR-PWV data, 1,394 participants free from cardiovasculard disease, smokers or treatment for diabetes, hypertension or dyslipidaemia were selected (45–65 years, 51% female). Participants were divided into sex, age and blood pressure (BP) subgroups. Normal values were specified for participants with a BP < 130/80 mmHg and reference values for elevated BP subgroups (≥ 130/80 and < 140/90 mmHg; and ≥ 140/90 mmHg). Differences between groups were tested with independent samples t-test or ANOVA. Due to an oversampling of obese individuals in this study, PWV values are based on a weighted analysis making them representative of the general population. Results Normal mean PWV was 6.0 m/s [95% CI 5.8–6.1]. PWV increased with advancing age and BP categories (both p < 0.001). There was no difference between sex in normal PWV, however in the BP > 140/90 mmHg women had a higher PWV (p = 0.005). The interpercentile ranges were smaller for participants < 55 years old compared to participants ≥ 55 years, indicating an increasing variability of PWV with age. PWV upper limits were particularly elevated in participants ≥ 55 years old in the high blood pressure subgroups. Conclusion This study provides normal and reference values for CMR-assessed PWV per sex, age and blood pressure category in the general population.

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