Dynamic bicycle exercise to assess cardiac output at multiple exercise levels during magnetic resonance imaging

Purpose: The aim was to establish a method for performing dynamic exercise during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using a slowly increasing workload protocol. Methods: An ergometer bicycle with a step-wise, exercise protocol was used. Real-time phase-contrast MRI images of the aorta were obtained at each exercise step. Results: In total, 40 participants completed the exercise protocol to reach a mean maximum cardiac output of 13.7 +/- 3.7 l/min and a heart rate of 150 +/- 16 beats/min at the highest exercise level. Less than 1% of scans were discarded due to poor quality. Conclusions: Dynamic, high intensity exercise is feasible during MRI. (C) 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.