Abstract
In this MRI work the Fast Gradient-Echo technique has been applied to the detection of the geometrical and elastic properties of the chest aorthic descending artery to check probable troubles in the blood flux which subtend several heart pathologies. The average diameter and the time variations of the aorthic vessel have been measured in the axial scanning plane to minimize the experimental errors. From the analysis of the vessel average diameter and the related root mean square deviation, a parameter named Contractility has been defined, in close relation with the elastic properties of the aorthic vessel. This parameter measured in patients affected from heavy cardiac pathologies such as aorthic arc aneurysm and right atrial mixoma shows remarkable variations when compared to the values obtained in healthy subjects. The use of the Contractility is suggested for a quick MRI determination of these cardiocircolatory pathologies.