Patent ID: 6654628
Filing Date: 2003-11-25
Classification: A61B,G01R

Abstract:
A non-invasive method of assessing vascular endothelial function, comprising:(a) using a magnetic resonance imaging scanner to perform phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging to obtain images; (b) locating an artery of a subject using coronal scout images; (c) positioning the subject, whereby the artery is parallel to a magnet bore of the magnetic resonance imaging scanner; (d) acquiring a baseline image of the artery; (e) constricting the artery for a time period, whereby the artery is fully occluded; (f) releasing the artery from occlusion; (g) acquiring images of the artery during occlusion, and at time periods following release from occlusion; (h) calculating wall shear stress and flow mediated dilation of the artery from data obtained from said baseline image and said images acquired during occlusion and following occlusion; (i) determining a relationship between wall shear stress and flow mediated dilation; and (j) determining if the relationship between wall shear stress and flow mediated dilation lies in a normal range, whereby lying in a normal range is indicative of normal vascular endothelial function.