4-D Imaging Is Ready For the Mainstream

Over the past two years significant steps have been taken to propel 4-D imaging into the mainstream. The first being, the adoption of a consensus statement regarding the clinical use of 4-D flow MR. A crucial step in the field in directing academic group studies. Second, software compatibility needed to reach the technological capability necessary for 4-D imaging. 4-D MR flow scans can generate up to 10,000 images. Thankfully new software developments have rendered this issue null and void. Markl is excited to uncover all the potential benefits of the 4-D system. "The strength of 4-D flow MR is its ability to help gain an understanding of complex situations," Markl told HCB News. "For example, in congenital heart disease that cannot- or can only incompletely- be assessed with other imaging modalities." He continued, “A lot of pieces are currently falling into place and I am very optimistic about the potential of the techniques to advance to a mainstream imaging test.” To drive 4-D imaging even further, Markl explains that collaborative efforts across all disciplines, such as M.D. and Ph. D. joint work, is vital. However, he notes that an obstacle of this collaboration will stem from the recent presidential order restricting travel to the U.S. from certain countries. "My cardiovascular research group at Northwestern alone is composed of students, postdoc, and faculty from seven countries, among them Iran," said Markl. This hindrance is concerning regarding future research, but Makrl is determined to move forward and propagate 4-D imaging to professionals in the medical industry.