Velocity encoding or Venc is referred to as an operator-controlled parameter for the determination of the maximum velocity within a velocity-encoded phase contrast imaging study.
Usage
Velocity-encoding (Venc) gradients are used to generate a phase shift in magnetic resonance phase contrast imaging proportional to the velocity of moving protons. This phenomenon can be used to depict and measure the velocity of spins and thus flow 1.
Venc has to be defined by the user before image acquisition and adapted to the anticipated peak velocities to obtain accurate flow measurements 2. In case Venc is chosen too low aliasing occurs, if it is chosen too high, flow measurements suffer from low accuracy and/or a jet might not be seen. A velocity scout may help in an improved predefinition 2,3.
Typical Venc values for different flow measurements are listed below:
In case aliasing or mosaic patterns occur Venc should be adjusted until the latter disappears. This can be accomplished for 25-50 cm/s concerning the aorta or main pulmonary artery.
1. Mathew R, Löffler A, Salerno M. Role of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Valvular Heart Disease: Diagnosis, Assessment, and Management. Curr Cardiol Rep. 2018;20(11):119. doi:10.1007/s11886-018-1057-9 - Pubmed
2. Kramer C, Barkhausen J, Bucciarelli-Ducci C, Flamm S, Kim R, Nagel E. Standardized Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging (CMR) Protocols: 2020 Update. J Cardiovasc Magn Reson. 2020;22(1):17. doi:10.1186/s12968-020-00607-1 - Pubmed
3. Schulz-Menger J, Bluemke D, Bremerich J et al. Standardized Image Interpretation and Post-Processing in Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance - 2020 Update. J Cardiovasc Magn Reson. 2020;22(1):19. doi:10.1186/s12968-020-00610-6 - Pubmed