Description
  1. Choose the appropriate imaging plane perpendicular to direction of flow
  2. Consider orthogonal acquisition to define peak velocity
  3. Set required direction of flow
  4. Choose appropriate VENC:
    • Normal systemic flow: 150cm/s
    • Normal right-sided flow: 100cm/s
    • Adjust in pathological situations (severe valve stenosis > 400cm/s)
  5. Choose adequate spatial resolution
    • minimum of 4-6 pixels per vessel diameter
Volume time curve from flow velocity encoding through the ascending aorta in a patient with severe aortic regurgitation

Tips and Tricks
  1. VENC settings:
    • Optimal within 25% of the true peak velocity
      • Too low: flow aliasing
      • Too high: underestimating velocity
    • Correct direction of flow (R-L, F-H)
    • Image plane distal from valve leaflet tips
    • Flow assessment: perpendicular to the vessel
    • Max. velocity assessment: perpendicular to the jet
  2. Avoid underestimation of velocities. Check:
    • Adequate temporal resolution (phases)
      • Free-breathing acquisition: 30 phases
      • Breath-hold acquisition: 20-25 phases
  3. Rotate FOV - orthogonal to the direction of flow
  4. Slice thickness: <7mm
  5. For correct planning see "Standard Views"
Sagittal (A) and coronal (B) slice positioning for aortic stenosis