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FRIDA TRUEDSSON
Dissertation defense: 23 May 2025 (click for details)
Doctoral thesis: 
Research area: Medical Radiation 91̽��s
Sahlgrenska Academy, The Institute of Clinical 91̽��s

In aortic valve regurgitation, or aortic insufficiency, blood flows back into the heart from the aorta – the body’s main artery – because the valve does not close properly. Over time, this can damage the heart and lead to heart failure.

Using a technique called phase-contrast MRI, which measures the blood flow, it is possible to determine the severity of the leakage.

“My research focuses on investigating potential limitations of using phase-contrast MRI to assess the severity of aortic valve regurgitation, as well as on making these assessments more reliable to improve diagnostic certainty,” says Frida Truedsson, medical physicist at Halland Hospital and doctoral student at the Institute of Clinical 91̽��s.

Several factors can affect accuracy

Phase-contrast MRI shows how fast and in which direction blood flows in the vessels. The technique is used, among other things, to assess leakage in the heart valves. But the results can be influenced by several factors.

“We have found that complex blood flow, heart motion, and the presence of a valve prosthesis can make it more difficult to assess the severity of the leakage. This is especially true in individuals with an enlarged aorta,” says Frida Truedsson.

Flow data from lower aorta

One of the project’s key findings is that flow measurements taken using phase-contrast MRI in the lower aorta can be used to support the severity assessment of aortic valve regurgitation.

“This can lead to increased diagnostic certainty and better treatment decisions for people with chronic aortic valve regurgitation.”

Technology and wise people

What has been rewarding and enjoyable about your doctoral project?
“It has been both rewarding and enjoyable to dive deep into the technology as well as the condition itself. I have especially appreciated analyzing the results and seeing them evolve into something concrete and meaningful. An equally valuable part has been meeting various people whose insights and knowledge have both inspired me and contributed to the progress of the work,” says Frida Truedsson.

And what has been challenging?
“The biggest challenge has been the writing. Finding the right balance between detail and overall message, staying focused on what matters most, and presenting the results clearly and scientifically.”

Text: Jakob Lundberg