Detection of Vortical Structures in 4D Velocity Encoded Phase Contrast MRI Data Using Vector Template Matching

We present the Adaptive Vector Pattern Matching (AVPM) method, a novel method for the detection of vortical structures specifically designed for velocity encoded 4D PCMRI datasets. AVPM is based on vector pattern matching combined with robust orientation estimation. This combination provides for a simple yet robust algorithm, which is a priori axial flow invariant. We demonstrate these properties by comparing the performance of AVPM with Heiberg’s Vector Pattern Matching algorithm.