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01-10-2019 | Stroke | Diagnostic Neuroradiology

The so-called “bovine aortic arch”: a possible biomarker for embolic strokes?

Authors: Annika Syperek, Anselm Angermaier, Marie-Luise Kromrey, Norbert Hosten, Michael Kirsch

Published in: Neuroradiology | Issue 10/2019

Abstract

Purpose

To examine the prevalence of the so-called bovine aortic arch variation (common origin of the brachiocephalic trunk and the left common carotid artery) in embolic stroke patients, compared with a control group.

Methods

Aortic arch branching patterns were retrospectively evaluated in 474 individuals with (n = 152) and without (n = 322) acute embolic stroke of the anterior circulation. Contrast-enhanced CT scans of the chest and neck (arterial contrast phase, 1–2-mm slice thickness) were used to evaluate aortic arch anatomy. The stroke cohort included 152 patients who were treated for embolic strokes of the anterior circulation between 2008 and 2018. A total of 322 randomly selected patients who had received thoracic CT angiographies within the same time frame were included as a control group.

Results

With a prevalence of 25.7%, the bovine aortic arch variant was significantly more common among patients suffering from embolic strokes, compared with 17.1% of control patients (p = 0.039, OR = 1.67, 95%CI = 1.05–1.97). Stroke patients were more likely to show the bovine arch subtype B (left common carotid artery originating from the brachiocephalic trunk instead of the aortic arch) (10.5% vs. 5.0%, p = 0.039, OR = 2.25, 95%CI = 1.09–4.63), while subtype A (V-shaped common aortic origin of the brachiocephalic trunk and the left carotid) was similarly common in both groups. There was no significant difference regarding the frequency of other commonly observed variant branching patterns of the aortic arch.

Conclusion

The bovine aortic arch, particularly the bovine arch subtype B, was significantly more common among embolic stroke patients. This might be due to altered hemodynamic properties within the bovine arch.

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Title: The so-called “bovine aortic arch”: a possible biomarker for embolic strokes?
Authors: Annika Syperek
Anselm Angermaier
Marie-Luise Kromrey
Norbert Hosten
Michael Kirsch
Publication date: 01-10-2019
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Stroke
CT Angiography
Biomarkers
Published in: Neuroradiology / Issue 10/2019
Print ISSN: 0028-3940
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1920
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00234-019-02264-3

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

The so-called “bovine aortic arch”: a possible biomarker for embolic strokes?

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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