Automatic velocity encoding (VENC) calibration for accurate quantitative flow measurement

Motivation: The optimal velocity encoding limit (VENC) in phase contrast MRI is subject-specific and is currently manually set by the technologist in a time-consuming process. Goal(s): We propose an inline automatic velocity encoding calibration for 2D phase-contrast flow MRI, which automatically computes and sets the optimal VENC. Approach: We designed a calibration module to automatically estimate the optimal VENC inline and set it in the subsequent flow measurement. Sixteen healthy volunteers were imaged at 0.55T. Results: Deployed inline, the calibration module calculated correctly the optimal VENC, mean of 97% of the maximum velocity in the ascending aorta, and automatically applied for subsequent flow sequence. Impact: Inline automatic velocity encoding calibration ensures the optimal precision in flow measurements and simplifies the acquisition workflow.