A new method for quantification of aortic stiffness in vivo using magnetic resonance elastography (MRE): a translational study from sequence design to implementation in patients

Background Aortic stiffness is an important risk factor in the development of cardiovascular disease. Early detection of stiffening is important so that appropriate medical and behavioural interventions can be implemented. Applanation tonometry pulse wave velocity is the current non-invasive reference standard but this only provides spatially-averaged measurements. Local measurements may be more important, particularly in the ascending aorta due to aorto-ventricular coupling effects. MRE usually requires a surface transducer to generate shear waves in the tissues but these are expensive, uncomfortable and not available in all centres. The aim of this study was to develop a new transducer-free MRE sequence to measure aortic stiffness in vivo using aortic valve closure, an intrinsic source for elastography, to generate shear waves in the aortic wall.