Abstract
BackgroundTo explore the possibility of creating three-dimensional (3D) estimation models for patient-specific wall thickness (WT) maps using patient-specific and cohort-averaged WT, wall shear stress (WSS), and vessel diameter maps in asymptomatic atherosclerotic carotid bifurcations.MethodsTwenty subjects (aged 75 ± 6 years [mean ± standard deviation], eight women) underwent a 1.5-T MRI examination. Non-gated 3D phase-contrast gradient-echo images and proton density-weighted echo-planar images were retrospectively assessed for WSS, diameter estimation, and WT measurements. Spearman’s ρ and scatter plots were used to determine correlations between individual WT, WSS, and diameter maps. A bootstrapping technique was used to determine correlations between 3D cohort-averaged WT, WSS, and diameter maps. Linear regression between the cohort-averaged WT, WSS, and diameter maps was used to predict individual 3D WT.ResultsSpearman’s ρ averaged over the subjects was − 0.24 ± 0.18 (p < 0.001) and 0.07 ± 0.28 (p = 0.413) for WT versus WSS and for WT versus diameter relations, respectively. Cohort-averaged ρ, averaged over 1000 bootstraps, was − 0.56 (95% confidence interval [− 0.74,− 0.38]) for WT versus WSS and 0.23 (95% confidence interval [− 0.06, 0.52]) for WT versus diameter. Scatter plots did not reveal relationships between individual WT and WSS or between WT and diameter data. Linear relationships between these parameters became apparent after averaging over the cohort. Spearman’s ρ between the original and predicted WT maps was 0.21 ± 0.22 (p < 0.001).ConclusionsWith a combination of bootstrapping and cohort-averaging methods, 3D WT maps can be predicted from the individual 3D WSS and diameter maps. The methodology may help to elucidate pathological processes involving WSS in carotid atherosclerosis.
Highlights
To explore the possibility of creating three-dimensional (3D) estimation models for patient-specific wall thickness (WT) maps using patient-specific and cohort-averaged WT, wall shear stress (WSS), and vessel diameter maps in asymptomatic atherosclerotic carotid bifurcations
The aim of this study was to explore the possibility of creating 3D estimation models for patient-specific WT maps using cohort-averaged WT, WSS and vessel diameter maps in asymptomatic atherosclerotic carotid bifurcations
Spearman’s ρ for the WSS and WT relationship and for the WT and diameter relationship is shown. ρWT − WSS averaged over all subjects was − 0.24 ± 0.18 (p < 0.001). ρWT − D averaged over the subjects was 0.07 ± 0.28 (p = 0.413). ρWSS − D averaged over all subjects was − 0.20 ± 0.24 (p = 0.002)
Summary
To explore the possibility of creating three-dimensional (3D) estimation models for patient-specific wall thickness (WT) maps using patient-specific and cohort-averaged WT, wall shear stress (WSS), and vessel diameter maps in asymptomatic atherosclerotic carotid bifurcations. Ischemic stroke occurs when an artery becomes occluded, leading to death of brain tissue [1] Such an occlusion commonly occurs after rupture of an atherosclerotic lesion. Wall shear stress (WSS) is the tangential friction force exerted by blood flow on the endothelial cells and is a known mediator of vessel calibre and endothelial function [3]. It is implicated in the development of atherosclerosis. If the relationship between WSS and vessel wall thickening is clarified further, the wall thickness (WT) can potentially be predicted from WSS patterns Such an estimation has the potential to be clinically relevant in the management of atherosclerotic disease. Patients with abnormally low WSS can be monitored more closely to evaluate thickening of the wall and further disease progression and eventually facilitate timely treatment
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