Researchers from Sweden found that 4D CT provided heart-flow patterns and measurements similar to those from 4D MRI, with shorter acquisition time and improved spatial resolution, according to an article recently published online in Radiology.
The researchers, led by first author Jonas Lantz, PhD, from Linköping University, acquired coronary CT angiography and 4D flow MRI data from 12 patients referred to their institution. They discovered that there was a high correlation between the modalities for basic flow measurements (r = 0.98, p < 0.05), kinetic energy (r = 0.98, p < 0.05), and various components of intracardiac flow (r = 0.93, r = 0.87; p < 0.05). Three observers also graded data from the two modalities as qualitatively similar (Radiology, June 26, 2018).
Beyond these similarities, 4D CT addressed several limitations of 4D MRI, including its long acquisition time and limited spatial resolution, noted Dr. Joseph Schoepf from the Medical University of South Carolina in an accompanying editorial.
"The results from this proof-of-concept study debut the 4D flow CT technique as a promising alternative to 4D flow MRI with its own unique benefits and limitations," he wrote.
![Axial images from unenhanced calcium score cardiac CT (left) and curved planar reformation images from CT angiography (right) show that higher long-term exposure to air pollution is associated with greater coronary artery calcium and more obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). Top row: Images in a 68-year-old male patient with higher 10-year mean ambient air pollution exposure (7.9 μg/m3 for particulate matter measuring ≤2.5 μm in diameter [PM2.5] and 17.4 parts per billion [ppb] for NO2) with extensive CAD (coronary artery calcium score [CACS] >1,000 and obstructive CAD [≥70% diameter stenosis]). Bottom row: Images in a 57-year-old female patient with lower 10-year mean ambient air pollution exposure (6.3 μg/m3 for PM2.5 and 4.6 ppb for NO2) with no CAD (CACS = 0 and no obstructive stenosis).](https://img.auntminnie.com/mindful/smg/workspaces/default/uploads/2026/06/hanneman.r6SMLzkezo.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&dpr=2&fit=crop&h=167&q=70&w=250)
