Human aortic blood flow patterns studied by MR

Transverse cine-craniocaudal velocity maps were obtained 5 cm above the aortic valve at 50-msec intervals using the FEER sequence. Sections covering the ascending and the descending aorta were enlarged and flow contours studied. Ascending aortic systolic plug flow lasted 117 msec +- 26 (mean +- SD). Profiles were skewed toward the posteromedial aspect of the vessel. In diastole, flow reversed along this aspect, continuing forward along the anterolateral aspect. Descending aortic systolic plug flow lasted 126 msec +- 22, reversing in the anterior half of the vessel while continuing forward in the posterior half. Turbulence did not occur. In healthy subjects, aortic blood flow patterns are consistent and complex