4D aortic motion maps from isotropic high-resolution 3D CINE balanced steady state free precession at 3T and automated segmentations

In this study we introduce 4D aortic displacement and diameter change estimations from isotropic high-resolution 3D CINE CMR as novel biomarkers for aortic stiffness. These could potentially be used as an alternative to pulse wave velocity stiffness measurements which can be unreliable for very stiff aortas as found in for example Marfan syndrome patients. Using deep learning for segmentation, visualization and quantification of aortic motion is demonstrated through 4D aortic motion maps. Time curves of displacement showed the typical cyclic behavior of cardiac motion, with a maximum displacement median of 10.3 (3.6) mm over 14 healthy volunteers.