Review of MRI-based measurements of pulse wave velocity: a biomarker of arterial stiffness.

摘要: Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Western world. In early development atherosclerosis, vessel walls remodel outwardly such that luminal diameter minimally affected by plaque development. Only late stages does lumen begin to narrow—leading stenoses. As a result, angiographic techniques are not useful for diagnosing atherosclerosis. Given absence stenoses CVD remains subclinical decades. Thus, methods atherosclerosis process needed so patients can receive necessary interventions prevent further progression. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) biomarker directly related stiffness has potential provide information on atherosclerotic burden. A number clinical available evaluating global PWV, including applanation tonometry and ultrasound. However, these only gross measurement PWV—from carotid femoral arteries—and may mitigate regional within vasculature. Additionally, distance measurements used PWV calculation with be highly inaccurate. Faster more robust magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences have facilitated increased interest MRI-based measurements. This review provides an overview state-of-the-art addition, both gold standard computing discussed.