Measurement of common carotid artery lumen dynamics during the cardiac cycle using magnetic resonance TrueFISP cine imaging

PURPOSE: To demonstrate magnetic resonance (MR) measurements of vascular lumen dynamics in common carotid arteries by using true fast imaging with steady-state precession (TrueFISP) cine imaging with an aim to provide additional physiologic information on the vessels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The left and right common carotid arteries were studied in normal young men (N = 6; age = 21-24 years; body weight = 130-175 lbs) using electrocardiogram (ECG)-triggered TrueFISP cine imaging at 20 frames per cardiac cycle. Lumen area waveforms were characterized with specific time and amplitude ratios. Distension values were quantified. RESULTS: Distension values were measured at 25.92 +/- 2.58% and 27.58 +/- 4.44% for the left and right common carotid arteries, respectively. These findings are consistent with those previously documented using ultrasound imaging in a similar age group. Consistent lumen area waveform characteristics were found among the subjects studied. CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrate for the first time that the use of TrueFISP cine imaging is a robust, rapid technique for quantifying carotid lumen area dynamics and distension, which may be valuable in characterizing and diagnosing cardiovascular diseases.