Assessment of Flow Dynamics in Ascending Aortic Aneurysms using 3D Phase Contrast MRI with VIPR Acquisition

In this study we will assess hemodynamic parameters, including flow patterns, wall shear stress, and wall distention in patients with ascending aortic aneurysms using 3D phase contrast MRI with VIPR acquisition (PC VIPR). Unlike abdominal aortic aneurysms, ascending aortic aneurysms are not normally associated with atherosclerosis. The underlying causes of ascending aortic aneurysms are usually unknown. However, this disease process has been associated with a number of connective tissue disorders, including Marfan’s syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Use of PC VIPR imaging could allow for more thorough non-invasive monitoring of patients with ascending aortic aneurysms. PC VIPR allows for visualization of flow patterns. It also has the potential to allow calculation of a variety of hemodynamic parameters, including wall distention and wall shear stress, which may help to determine the risk of rupture and aid in decisions about treatment options. The aim of this study is to determine, using PC VIPR data, if hemodynamic flow parameters measured in patients with ascending aortic aneurysms are different than those measured in normal subjects.