Figure 1

Example magnitude (A-C) and phase images (E-G) obtained using the spiral phase contrast sequence demonstrate the trans-aortic velocities obtained at peak systole (A,E) and the trans-mitral velocities obtained at early diastole (B,F) and late diastole (C,G) in a mouse heart. Example trans-aortic velocity-time curve (D) and trans-mitral velocity-time curve (H) obtained in a mouse using phase contrast MRI. Using the trans-mitral velocity-time curve, the early (E) and late (A) ventricular filling velocities and deceleration time (DT) can be estimated. Using the trans-aortic and trans-mitral velocity-time curve, the ejection time (ET) can be estimated as the time between the opening and closure of aortic valve. Isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT) is estimated as the time between the closure of the aortic valve and the opening of the mitral valve. Isovolumetric contraction time (IVCT) is estimated as the time between the closure of the mitral valve and the opening of the aortic valve.