Scientists at the University of East Anglia have developed advanced MRI technology that promises faster and more accurate diagnosis of a common heart condition called aortic stenosis.
Aortic stenosis is a serious condition that affects around 300,000 people in the UK and about 5% of individuals over 65 in the US. It is more common as people age and can be life-threatening if not treated.
A new study, published today, highlights the use of a four-dimensional flow (4D flow) MRI scan, which is shown to diagnose aortic stenosis more reliably than traditional ultrasound methods.
The new MRI technique offers better accuracy, allowing doctors to better predict when patients will need surgery, potentially saving thousands of lives in the UK alone.
Dr. Pankaj Garg, the lead researcher from the University of East Anglia’s Norwich Medical School and a consultant cardiologist at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, explained: “Aortic stenosis is a common yet dangerous heart condition. It occurs when the aortic valve, which controls blood flow from the heart, becomes stiff and narrow, reducing blood flow to the rest of the body.”
Symptoms of aortic stenosis include chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, fatigue, and a rapid heartbeat, especially with physical activity.
Currently, doctors use ultrasound to diagnose the condition, but this method can sometimes miss the severity of the disease, delaying crucial treatment. The new 4D flow MRI allows doctors to monitor blood flow in three dimensions over time, offering a more accurate picture.
Dr. Garg added, “We wanted to test whether 4D flow MRI could provide a more reliable diagnosis compared to traditional ultrasound.”
In their study, the team tested both ultrasound and 4D flow MRI on 30 patients diagnosed with aortic stenosis. They compared the results to determine which method better identified those needing timely heart valve treatment. The findings were validated by following up with the patients over an eight-month period.
The results showed that 4D flow MRI provided more precise measurements of blood flow through the heart valves, offering a more accurate assessment than traditional echocardiography.
This breakthrough could lead to earlier and more accurate diagnoses, helping doctors deliver better care for patients with aortic stenosis.
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