The structure of the intracranial veins and elastic-viscous properties of erythrocyte membranes in children with connective tissue dysplasia

Abstract

Objective: To study the structure of intracranial veins and elastic-viscous properties of erythrocyte membranes in children with connective tissue dysplasia. Methods: Group 1 consisted of 60 children with signs of connective tissue dysplasia in age from 10 to 16 years. Group 2 consisted of 40 children. Magnetic resonance angiography was performed on the apparatus, equipped with a superconducting magnet system with field strength of 1.5 T. To examine the state of the cytoplasmic membrane of erythrocytes were used dry preparations of erythrocytes. The product was dried in air and then subjected to scanning, which was carried out using an atomic force microscope, equipped with non-contact silicon probe, resonance frequency and the radius of curvature of the cantilever. They used a semi-contact technique. Quantification of membrane elasticity was carried out by calculating the Young's Modulus (E, MPa). Results are expressed as median, quartiles 25 and 75, M (25%; 75%). Differences were considered significant at the achieved level of significance p < 0.05. Results: In group 1 hypoplasia of the right transverse sinus occurred in 5% of cases, arteriovenous malformations– in 5% of cases, hypoplasia of the left sigmoid sinus – in 5% of cases, hypoplasia of the left internal jugular vein - in 10.5% of cases. In group 2 the development of intracranial venous anomalies have been identified. Patients of group 1 Young's modulus was equal to 182.68 (132.43; 232.94) MPa, in the comparison group - 111.48 (38.35; 184.61) MPa. The Young's modulus was significantly higher in children with connective tissue dysplasia (p < 0.05). Conclusion: For children with severe dysplasia of the connective tissue characterized by congenital malformations of intracranial veins, which in itself can be a predictor of cerebrovascular pathology. In children with connective tissue dysplasia a higher Young's modulus erythrocyte membrane in infants than control group, suggesting decreased erythrocyte deformability when passing through the microvasculature.