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01-06-2008 | Diagnostic Neuroradiology

In vivo visualization and analysis of 3-D hemodynamics in cerebral aneurysms with flow-sensitized 4-D MR imaging at 3 T

Authors: Stephan Meckel, Aurelien F. Stalder, Francesco Santini, Ernst-Wilhelm Radü, Daniel A. Rüfenacht, Michael Markl, Stephan G. Wetzel

Published in: Neuroradiology | Issue 6/2008

Abstract

Introduction

Blood-flow patterns and wall shear stress (WSS) are considered to play a major role in the development and rupture of cerebral aneurysms. These hemodynamic aspects have been extensively studied in vitro using geometric realistic aneurysm models. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of in vivo flow-sensitized 4-D MR imaging for analysis of intraaneurysmal hemodynamics.

Methods

Five cerebral aneurysms were examined using ECG-gated, flow-sensitized 4-D MR imaging at 3 T in three patients. Postprocessing included quantification of flow velocities, visualization of time-resolved 2-D vector graphs and 3-D particle traces, vortical flow analysis, and estimation of WSS. Flow patterns were analyzed in relation to aneurysm geometry and aspect ratio.

Results

Magnitude, spatial and temporal evolution of vortical flow differed markedly among the aneurysms. Particularly unstable vortical flow was demonstrated in a wide-necked parophthalmic ICA aneurysm (high aspect ratio). Relatively stable vortical flow was observed in aneurysms with a lower aspect ratio. Except for a wide-necked cavernous ICA aneurysm (low aspect ratio), WSS was reduced in all aneurysms and showed a high spatial variation.

Conclusion

In vivo flow-sensitized 4-D MR imaging can be applied to analyze complex patterns of intraaneurysmal flow. Flow patterns, distribution of flow velocities, and WSS seem to be determined by the vascular geometry of the aneurysm. Temporal and spatial averaging effects are drawbacks of the MR-based analysis of flow patterns as well as the estimation of WSS, particularly in small aneurysms. Further studies are needed to establish a direct link between definitive flow patterns and different aneurysm geometries.

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Title: In vivo visualization and analysis of 3-D hemodynamics in cerebral aneurysms with flow-sensitized 4-D MR imaging at 3 T
Authors: Stephan Meckel
Aurelien F. Stalder
Francesco Santini
Ernst-Wilhelm Radü
Daniel A. Rüfenacht
Michael Markl
Stephan G. Wetzel
Publication date: 01-06-2008
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Neuroradiology / Issue 6/2008
Print ISSN: 0028-3940
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1920
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00234-008-0367-9

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In vivo visualization and analysis of 3-D hemodynamics in cerebral aneurysms with flow-sensitized 4-D MR imaging at 3 T

Abstract

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Methods

Results

Conclusion

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