Differences In Blood Flow Velocity Research Articles

Pilot study on the effect of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract on inferior vene cava blood flow in patients with chronic venous insufficiency using 4D flow MRI.

Four-dimensional (4D) flow magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to objectively assess changes in blood flow velocity in patients with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) who underwent stocking treatment alone and stocking combined with Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) treatment. Patients diagnosed with CVI were recruited from August 31, 2018 to December 31, 2020. A total of 23 participants were selected, with 10 and 13 patients in the stocking treatment and stocking + GSPE treatment groups, respectively. The blood flow velocity (Th-plane peak and average velocities) was calculated using 4D flow MRI. A paired t test was used to evaluate the differences in blood flow velocity before and after treatment. In the stocking treatment group, The Th-Plane peak velocity increased by 2.48 ± 5.05 cm/s after treatment (P = .16). In the stocking + GSPE treatment group, the Th-Plane peak velocity increased by 4.85 ± 5.57 cm/s after treatment (P < .001). The blood flow velocity on 4D flow MRI was significantly increased in participants who underwent GSPE, highlighting the potential of GSPE for CVI treatment.

The blood flow-klf6a-tagln2 axis drives vessel pruning in zebrafish by regulating endothelial cell rearrangement and actin cytoskeleton dynamics.

Recent studies have focused on capillary pruning in various organs and species. However, the way in which large-diameter vessels are pruned remains unclear. Here we show that pruning of the zebrafish caudal vein (CV) from ventral capillaries of the CV plexus in different transgenic embryos is driven by endothelial cell (EC) rearrangement, which involves EC nucleus migration, junction remodeling, and actin cytoskeleton remodeling. Further observation reveals a growing difference in blood flow velocity between the two vessels in CV pruning in zebrafish embryos. With this model, we identify the critical role of Kruppel-like factor 6a (klf6a) in CV pruning. Disruption of klf6a functioning impairs CV pruning in zebrafish. klf6a is required for EC nucleus migration, junction remodeling, and actin cytoskeleton dynamics in zebrafish embryos. Moreover, actin-related protein transgelin 2 (tagln2) is a direct downstream target of klf6a in CV pruning in zebrafish embryos. Together these results demonstrate that the klf6a-tagln2 axis regulates CV pruning by promoting EC rearrangement.

Implementation and validation of ASL perfusion measurements for population imaging.

PurposePseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling (pCASL) allows for noninvasive measurement of regional cerebral blood flow (CBF), which has the potential to serve as biomarker for neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases. This work aimed to implement and validate pCASL on the dedicated MRI system within the population‐based Rotterdam Study, which was installed in 2005 and for which software and hardware configurations have remained fixed.MethodsImaging was performed on two 1.5T MRI systems (General Electric); (I) the Rotterdam Study system, and (II) a hospital‐based system with a product pCASL sequence. An in‐house implementation of pCASL was created on scanner I. A flow phantom and three healthy volunteers (<27 years) were scanned on both systems for validation purposes. The data of the first 30 participants (86 ± 4 years) of the Rotterdam Study undergoing pCASL scans on scanner I only were analyzed with and without partial volume correction for gray matter.ResultsThe validation study showed a difference in blood flow velocity, sensitivity, and spatial coefficient of variation of the perfusion‐weighted signal between the two scanners, which was accounted for during post‐processing. Gray matter CBF for the Rotterdam Study participants was 52.4 ± 8.2 ml/100 g/min, uncorrected for partial volume effects of gray matter. In this elderly cohort, partial volume correction for gray matter had a variable effect on measured CBF in a range of cortical and sub‐cortical regions of interest.ConclusionRegional CBF measurements are now included to investigate novel biomarkers in the Rotterdam Study. This work highlights that when it is not feasible to purchase a novel ASL sequence, an in‐house implementation is valuable.

Is There a Difference in Blood Flow Velocity between Bilateral Common Carotid Arterises in Community-Dwelling Elderly with Unilateral Chewing Habit and Forward Head Posture?: An Observational Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Due to aging, blood flow rate decreases, also posture and chewing habit may be changed. Objective: To identify that changes in blood velocity in the common carotid arteries (CCAs) in old persons with unilateral chewing habit (UCH) and forward head posture (FHP) in the elderly. Design: An observational cross-sectional study. Methods: Chewing habits, FHP, and CCAs velocities were assessed in 85 elderly subjects. Chewing habits were measured by visual observation. CCAs measured the peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), minimum diastolic velocity, and resistivity index. The subjects were divided into UCH and bilateral chewing habit groups depending on chewing habit. The subjects were also divided into >49 degrees and <49 degrees for comparison of blood flow between the left and right CCAs. Results: In the UCH, the chewing side had significantly higher EDV (P=.003), PSV (P=.023) than the non-chewing side. There was no significant difference in velocity between the CCAs in the FHP. Conclusion: This study shows that the blood flow velocity of the chewing side of UCH was higher, and unilateral chewing affects the CCAs velocity and thus highlight the importance of chewing habit in the elderly than head posture.

Effects of Rex-bypass shunt on the cavernous transformation of the portal vein in children: evaluation by the color Doppler ultrasonography

BackgroundThe study was to investigate the role of color Doppler ultrasonography in the evaluation of the effect of Rex-bypass shunt on the cavernous transformation of the portal vein (CTPV) in children.MethodsFifty children with symptomatic extrahepatic portal hypertension who received Rex-bypass shunt were retrospectively reviewed, and they were diagnosed with CTPV by ultrasonography. The clinical characteristics were analyzed before and after operation.ResultsForty-five patients received color Doppler ultrasonography at 6 months after surgery, and good patency in the bypass vessels was displayed. The platelet count significantly increased (P < 0.001) and the esophagogastric varices were improved significantly (p < 0.001). The patency of bypass vessels on color Doppler ultrasonography was consistent with the changes in the platelet count and the degree of esophagogastric varices on gastroscopy before and after operation. The diameter of bypass vessels at 6 months was slightly larger than that at 7 days after operation, and there was no significant difference in blood flow velocity between two time points (P = 0.507).ConclusionsColor Doppler ultrasonography can display the patency, diameter, and flow velocity of bypass vessels. It plays an important role in evaluating the effect of Rex-bypass shunt on the CTPV.

Characterization of retinal microvasculature in acute non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy using the retinal functional imager: a prospective case series

BackgroundNon-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is the most common cause of acute optic neuropathy in patients over 50 years of age, and many affected individuals are left with permanent visual deficits. Despite the frequency of NAION and its often devastating effects on vision, no effective treatment has been established. Further understanding of the acute vascular effects in NAION, using advanced ophthalmic imaging techniques like the retinal function imager, may shed light on potential treatment targets.MethodsFive patients with acute NAION underwent retinal functional imaging within 2 weeks of the onset of their visual symptoms, and at 1 month and 3 months after onset. Average arteriolar and venular blood flow velocities were calculated for each eye at each time point. The Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to compare blood flow velocity results with a normative database.ResultsThe average arteriolar blood flow velocity in the normative group was 3.8 mm/s, and the average venular blood flow velocity was 3.0 mm/s, versus 4.1 mm/s and 2.7 mm/s, respectively, in the NAION-affected group at presentation. Average arteriolar blood flow increased slightly to 4.2 mm/s one month after the acute NAION event, then decreased to 3.8 mm/s three months after the event. Average venular blood flow velocity was 2.8 mm/s 1 month after the NAION event and 2.7 mm/s 3 months after the event. Differences in blood flow velocity between the NAION-affected and control groups were not statistically significant at any time point; however, there was a trend toward increasing blood flow velocity initially after an NAION, with a decrease over time.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the feasibility of retinal function imaging to quantify macular blood flow velocity in patients with acute NAION. There were no statistically significant differences in blood flow velocity detected between NAION-affected eyes and healthy controls at any of the time points examined; however, there was a trend toward an increase in both arteriolar and venular BFV subacutely, then a decrease in the chronic phase after NAION, which could be suggestive of a mechanism of attempted compensation in the setting of acute ischemia.

Microvascular blood flow velocities measured with a retinal function imager: inter-eye correlations in healthy controls and an exploration in multiple sclerosis

BackgroundThe retinal microcirculation has been studied in various diseases including multiple sclerosis (MS). However, inter-eye correlations and potential differences of the retinal blood flow velocity (BFV) remain largely unstudied but may be important in guiding eye selection as well as the design and interpretation of studies assessing or utilizing retinal BFV. The primary aim of this study was to determine inter-eye correlations in BFVs in healthy controls (HCs). Since prior studies raise the possibility of reduced BFV in MS eyes, a secondary aim was to compare retinal BFVs between MS eyes, grouped based on optic neuritis (ON) history and HC eyes.MethodsMacular arteriole and venule BFVs were determined using a retinal function imager (RFI) in both eyes of 20 HCs. One eye from a total of 38 MS patients comprising 13 eyes with ON (MSON) and 25 eyes without ON (MSNON) history were similarly imaged with RFI.ResultsOD (right) and OS (left) BFVs were not significantly different in arterioles (OD: 3.95 ± 0.59 mm/s; OS: 4.08 ± 0.60 mm/s, P = 0.10) or venules (OD: 3.11 ± 0.46 mm/s; OS: 3.23 ± 0.52 mm/s, P = 0.06) in HCs. Very strong inter-eye correlations were also found between arteriolar (r = 0.84, P < 0.001) and venular (r = 0.87, P < 0.001) BFVs in HCs. Arteriolar (3.48 ± 0.88 mm/s) and venular (2.75 ± 0.53 mm/s) BFVs in MSNON eyes were significantly lower than in HC eyes (P = 0.009 and P = 0.005, respectively). Similarly, arteriolar (3.59 ± 0.69 mm/s) and venular (2.80 ± 0.45 mm/s) BFVs in MSON eyes were also significantly lower than in HC eyes (P = 0.046 and P = 0.048, respectively). Arteriolar and venular BFVs in MSON and MSNON eyes did not differ from each other (P = 0.42 and P = 0.48, respectively).ConclusionsInter-eye arteriolar and venular BFVs do not differ significantly in HCs and are strongly correlated. Our findings support prior observations that arteriolar and venular BFVs may be reduced in MS eyes. Moreover, this seems to be the case in both MS eyes with and without a history of ON, raising the possibility of global blood flow alterations in MS. Future larger studies are needed to assess differences in BFVs between MSON and MSNON eyes.

Influence of immune-mediated hemolytic anemia on flow velocities in the portal vein and caudal vena cava measured by use of pulsed-wave Doppler ultrasonography in dogs.

OBJECTIVE To compare blood flow velocities of the portal vein (PV) and caudal vena cava (CVC) measured by use of pulsed-wave Doppler ultrasonography in clinically normal dogs and dogs with primary immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA). ANIMALS 11 client-owned dogs admitted to a veterinary teaching hospital for management of primary IMHA and 21 staff- or student-owned clinically normal dogs. PROCEDURES Flow velocities in the PV and CVC at the porta hepatis were evaluated in conscious unsedated dogs with concurrent ECG monitoring; evaluations were performed before dogs with IMHA received heparin or blood transfusions. Three measurements of peak velocity at end expiration were obtained for each vessel, and the mean was calculated. Results were compared between IMHA and control groups. RESULTS Mean ± SD blood flow velocity in the CVC differed between control (63.0 ± 18.6 cm/s) and IMHA (104 ± 36.9 cm/s) groups. Variance in dogs with IMHA was significantly greater than that for the clinically normal dogs. No significant difference in blood flow velocity in the PV was detected between IMHA and control dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Higher blood flow velocities were detected by use of pulsed-wave Doppler ultrasonography in the CVC of dogs with naturally occurring IMHA and may be used to predict anemia in patients suspected of having IMHA.

Effects of different exercise modes of ball-holding on venous flow and related thrombus in patients with peripherally inserted central catheter

Objective To explore the effects of different exercise modes of ball-holding on preventing peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) related thrombus, so as to provide a basis for formulating scientific nursing intervention. Methods From June to November 2017, this study selected 86 cancer patients with chemotherapy through PICC of Oncology Department in First Affiliated Hospital of PLA General Hospital by purposive sampling. All of the patients from two wards of Oncology Department were divided into the experimental group and the control group by tossing a coin. Patients of the experimental group carried out ball-holding 25 times to 30 times after 3 meals each day with clenching for 10 seconds, loosening 10 seconds and grip strength according to that the ball was compressed to one half. Patients of the control group accepted conventional nursing that ball-holding was implemented 3 times, a total of 500 times. Color Doppler ultrasound was used to dynamically observe the blood flow velocity, incidence, formation position, formation time and classification of thrombus as well as other complications after indwelling catheter. The SAS 9.4 was used to statistical analysis. Results This study involved 42 patients in the experimental group and 41 patients in the control group after removing missing patients. The maximum velocity of axillary vein of patients in experimental group before and 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28 days after indwelling catheter was (16.12±3.62) , (15.83±3.07) , (15.69±3.01) , (15.05±2.49) , (14.46±3.85) , (15.47±2.95) and (14.75±2.91) cm/s respectively. There was no significant difference in blood flow velocity before indwelling catheter between two groups (t=-0.54, P=0.594 5) . But, there were significant differences in blood flow velocity 21 and 28 days after indwelling catheter between two groups (t=-5.00, -4.69; P<0.000 1) . The difference of the maximum velocity in interaction between groups and different time points was significant (F=22.23, P<0.000 1) . The average velocity per unit time of axillary vein of experimental group before indwelling catheter and 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28 days after indwelling catheter was (9.97±3.01) , (9.69±2.61) , (9.72±2.49) , (8.88±1.47) , (8.55±2.20) , (9.48±2.71) , (9.26±2.73) cm/s respectively. There was no significant difference in average velocity before indwelling catheter between two groups (t=0.07, P=0.945 9) . After indwelling catheter, there were significant differences in average velocity 21 and 28 days after indwelling catheter between two groups (t=-4.60, -4.48; P<0.000 1) . There was also a significant difference in average velocity per unit time of axillary vein among the interaction between groups and different points (F=9.84, P<0.000 1) . The flow velocity of axillary vein of two groups declined over time 14 days before indwelling catheter. The flow velocity of experimental group gradually rose over time 14 days after indwelling catheter and was with a fall after rise 21 days after reaching peak value; the flow velocity of control group remarkably slowed over time. A significant difference was found in incidence of catheter related thrombus between two groups (P<0.05) . The incidence of thrombus of control group constantly rose over time (χ2=6.158, P=0.013) . There was also significant difference in incidence of other catheter related thrombus complications between two groups (χ2=5.760, P=0.016) . Conclusions The modes of ball-holding of experimental group can make the flow velocity of axillary vein in a high level and be propitious to prevent blood stagnation, reduce the incidences of thrombus and other catheter related thrombus complications. It is worth to be used in clinical application. Key words: Nursing care; Venous thrombosis; Ball-holding sport; Peripherally inserted central catheter; Catheter-related thrombus; Venous flow velocity

Endothelial dysfunction: comparative evaluation of ultrasound dopplerography, laser dopplerflowmetry and direct monitoring of arterial pressure for conducting pharmacological tests in rats

Introduction: The importance of the problem of endothelial dysfunction makes it essential to improve approaches to its evaluation. Due to the high diagnostic potential of ultrasound dopplerography, this method is promising in the study of endothelial function.&#x0D; Objective:To study endothelial function when conducting vascular pharmacological tests in the norm and with the blockade of the nitric oxide synthesis by means of the ultrasound method for examining the central blood flow velocity in the femoral artery of the rat in comparison with changes of systemic haemodynamics and microcirculation velocity in the medial vastus muscle using laser Doppler flowmetry.&#x0D; Materials and methods: In the norm and in conditions of deficiency of endogenous nitric oxide, three methods for assessing haemodynamics were used simultaneously: 1) dopplerography using the ultrasoundDoppler system (Minimax-Doppler-K, St Petersburg); 2) laser doppler flowmetry using the TDS144 sensor (Biopac MP-150, USA); 3) recording the arterial pressure in the carotid artery by means of a catheter connected to a TDS-160-A sensor (Biopac MP-150, USA). To study the vasoregulatory function of the endothelium under conditions of multicomponent monitoring of haemodynamics, functional vascular tests were performed using acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside.&#x0D; Results: Quantification of endothelial dysfunction when conducting pharmacological tests with endothelium-dependent (acetylcholine) and endothelium-independent (sodium nitroprusside) vasodilation is most significant when calculating the coefficient reflecting the ratio of areas of vascular response. Theblood flow velocity parameters recorded by using Doppler ultrasound showed a high correlation level with both arterial pressure and with a linear microcirculation rate. The most comprehensive dopplerographic indices for evaluating the function of the endothelium by conducting pharmacological tests in the norm and in the case of pathology, are the estimated systolic-diastolic difference in blood flow velocities (ΔVs-Vd) in the femoral artery. The study of the endothelial function when conducting vascular pharmacological tests in the norm and with nitric oxide synthesis blockaded, by means of the ultrasound examination of the central blood flow velocity in the femoral artery, is comparable to changing the haemodynamics parameters as well as velocity in microcirculation of the medial vastus muscle using laser Doppler flowmetry.&#x0D; Conclusions: Ultrasonic dopplerography using the Minimax-Doppler-K device reflects the systemic and local vascular response to the administration of vasodilators both in the norm and with the blockade of the nitric oxide synthesis and makes it possible to conduct an informative assessment of the endothelial function.

S184 Effect of different frequencies of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on cognitive function in stroke

Objective To evaluate the effect of different frequencies of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation( rTMS) on cognitive function in stroke patients. Methods The study was conducted on 30 right handed stroke patients with right sided hemiparesis and history of stroke from 6 to 20 months. They were divided into two equal groups; group I receiving 10 Hz frequency of rTMS and group II receiving 5 Hz in 10 sessions. Each session included 6 trains and 7 min duration. They were evaluated by Addenbrooke Cognitive Examination Revised Test (ACER) and transcranial doppler (TCD) for blood flow velocity (BFV) in affected middle cerebral artery pre and post- treatment with rTMS. Results There was a significant differences in blood flow velocity in the affected side (left MCA) in both groups ( p 0.05 ) with improvement of (20.02%, 11.41%) respectively. There was also a significant differences in total ACER Test in both groups ( p 0.05 ) with improvement of (33.5%, 25%) respectively. A significant positive correlation ( p 0.05 ) between improvement percentage of blood flow and improvement percentage of total ACER Test in both groups was found. Discussion This study showed significant increase in the BFV in the MCA and the total ACER score after applying high frequencies of rTMS, supported by many authors. Conclusions High frequency rTMS plays a major role in improving the cognitive impairment in stroke patients. Significance Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation should be considered a future cornerstone in neurorehabilitation and therapy.

MODELS OF MAJOR ADVERSE CARDIAC EVENT RISK USING RESULTS OF EXERCISE STRESS ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY WITH NONINVASIVE CORONARY ARTERY FLOW ASSESSMENT IN PATIENTS WITH ISCHEMIC HEART DISEASE

Ultrasound non-invasive coronary artery imaging contributes to the diagnosis of ischemic heart disease (IHD) in clinical practice. However, data of the prognostic value obtained from a complex analysis of contractility disorders and coronary blood flow parameters during exercise tests in the world literature are still not available. Aim. To develop risk models for adverse outcomes in patients with probable or definite IHD based on the results of a stress test with a noninvasive coronary blood flow study. Material and methods. Medical data of 689 patients with probable or definite IHD who underwent stress echocardiography with satisfactory visualization of the anterior interventricular artery (AIVA) were included in the analysis. All patients had stress echocardiography on a horizontal bicycle ergometer. Registration of coronary blood flow in the middle third of the AIVA was performed at rest and at the peak of the load with calculation of the coronary reserve value. Further patient follow-up lasted 3 years. Models of further negative outcomes were developed on the basis of the stress echocardiography results and of coronary blood flow parameters. Results. Three models that take into account the factors associated with further mortality, mortality/myocardial infarction and sum of negative outcomes were developed in the study. These models divide a cohort of patients with probable or definite IHD into groups of low, medium and very high risks. Factors associated with the risk of death include: age >56 years, load power <100 W, breach of contractility in the blood supply zone of the circumflex artery initially and during exercise, the difference in blood flow velocities in the AIVA<10 cm/s, coronary reserve of AIVA<2. The risk model of death, taking into account these factors, suggests dividing patients into low-risk group if there are ≤2 factors (mortality 0.6% for 3 years), medium risk – from 2 to 4 factors (mortality 1.8%), high risk – ≥5 factors (mortality 10.3% for 3 years). Conclusion. The study of coronary blood flow during stress echocardiography in addition to the analysis of left ventricular contractility in patients with probable or definite IHD contributes to determine the prognosis of further negative outcomes.

P18.02: Difference in blood flow velocity of spiral arteries in placental syndrome – compared to healthy pregnancies

P18.02: Difference in blood flow velocity of spiral arteries in placental syndrome – compared to healthy pregnancies

12 Difference in blood flow velocity of spiral arteries in placental syndrome-compared to healthy pregnancies

Objectives Directly measuring the spiral arteries instead of the uterine arteries could better reflect the pathological process underlying placenta insufficiency related diseases collectively known as placenta syndrome (PS). The purpose of this study is to examine if the blood flow velocity of spiral arteries in placenta syndrome-pregnancies is higher compared to healthy pregnancies and can be affected by location of spiral arteries. Methods A cross sectional study was conducted in woman between 24 and 42 weeks of gestation reporting at the department of obstetrics in the MUMC+. Using a Voluson E8TM abdominal transducer with predefined settings, spiral artery flow velocity indices were measured in women with PS (preeclampsia, preterm delivery, pregnancy induced hypertension and intra uterine growth restriction) and compared to women with uncomplicated pregnancies. Results Spiral artery Dopplers were successfully obtained in 32 PS- and 14 control pregnancies. Both groups were comparable in characteristics, except for diastolic blood pressure (73.4 ± 12.1 vs. 62 ± 6.8 mmHg, p = 0.02). Mean peak systolic velocity (PSV) in spiral arteries showed a linear decrease with advancing gestational age in both groups (0.94 ± 0.5 cm/s/week), but was significant higher in PS-group (32.5 ± 8.7 cm/s) compared to control group (24.5 ± 7.1 cm/s, p = 0.03). As expected, the mean PSV of the centrally localized spiral arteries was lower compared to the peripherally localized spiral arteries in the control group (24.5 ± 7.1 cm/s vs. 34.1 ± 14.6 cm/s, p = 0.14). No such difference was found in the PS-group (34.3 ± 8.7 vs. 34.6 ± 23.4 cm/s, p = 0.87). Conclusions Mean blood flow velocity of spiral arteries in placental syndrome pregnancies is higher compared to healthy pregnancies, suggesting that inadequate conversion of the spiral arteries can lead to placental syndrome. These promising findings need to be tested in a prospective cohort to determine the predictive value of spiral artery Dopplers in high risk pregnancies.

Abstract 306: Murine Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Demonstrate Heterogeneous Growth and Remodelling by High-frequency Ultrasound

In vivo imaging of vascular disease models has been largely underutilized, but it can greatly benefit cardiovascular research. An improved understanding of the development of the angiotensin II (AngII) apolipoprotein E knockout model of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) could help patients with this life-threatening disease. The objective of this study was to investigate the early hemodynamic, biomechanical, and volumetric changes in AngII AAAs using high-frequency ultrasound. Five male apolipoprotein E-deficient C57BL/6J mice were subcutaneously implanted with AngII-loaded miniosmotic pumps (1000 ng/kg/min) and screened for appearance of AAAs. We acquired imaging data of the morphology, pulsatility, and blood flow profiles in newly formed AAAs over 7 days. We found that biomechanical and hemodynamic changes occurred during initial AAA formation alongside an increase in AAA volume. Average AAA volume increased by 140±24% between baseline and AAA diagnosis, while true lumen volume decreased by 46±12% due to formation of a focal dissection. The resulting intramural thrombus evolved in shape and volume but with variability between animals. Regional differences in blood flow velocity were apparent down the length of the largest AAAs and mean blood flow velocity significantly increased by 150±42% upon initial aortic expansion and true lumen narrowing. Mean velocity decreased over 7 days as the total AAA volume increased. Circumferential cyclic strain also significantly decreased upon initial aortic expansion and remained reduced, indicating the AAAs had stiffened vessel walls with initial aortic expansion. We are also exploring the heterogeneity of this AAA development using computational pulsatile flow models built from these ultrasound datasets. These models can provide information on site-specific changes in wall shear stress and oscillatory shear index, which are potentially predictive metrics for intramural thrombus formation and AAA growth.

Using 320-slice perfusion computed tomography in visuali zation of prostate cancer

Visualization of prostate cancer remains an actual problem in urology and oncology. Purpose of the study – evaluation of prostate cancer visualization using 320-slice perfusion computed tomography (PCT). PCT results of 15 patients with suspected prostate cancer were evaluated. Studies were performed with the 320-slice spiral computed tomography Aquilion One (Toshiba, Japan). Perfusion of the prostate was calculated by the maximum gradient. Next, the areas of interest were placed on each perfusion map. For each of the areas of interest, the following indicators were calculated: the average blood flow velocity, normalized blood flow velocity, the difference of blood flow velocity in the contralateral areas of interest, the difference of the normalized blood flow velocity in the contralateral areas of interest. Differences between indexes depending on the results of histological examination for each area of interest were evaluated by the variance analysis and by pairwise comparison with the Tukey’s criterion. Statistical significance of differences was assessed by the specialized computer language R v 3.2, using pROC packets. Totally, 180 biopsies were obtained. 19 – prostate cancer Σ Gleason 6, 17 – prostate cancer Σ Gleason 7, 5 – prostate cancer Gleason Σ 8, 7 – inflammation, 121 – not pathological, 11 – prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN). The areas under the ROC curves for the studied parameters were: average blood flow velocity 0.6343, normalized blood flow velocity 0.5300, difference of blood flow velocity in contralateral areas of interest 0.5875, difference of normalized blood flow velocity in the contralateral areas of interest 0.6263. The results of our study shows low sensitivity of the method in detection of lowgrade prostate cancer.

Effect of acupuncture at Lièquē ( LU 7) on vertebral-basilar artery hemodynamics in patients with cervical vertigo

ObjectiveTo explore the therapeutic efficacy and mechanism of acupuncture at Lièquē (▪ LU 7) in treatment of cervical vertigo (CV). MethodsForty CV patients met the inclusion criteria were enrolled and treated with acupuncture at bilateral LU 7 points, once daily with 10 times as a course. The changes of blood flow velocity in bilateral vertebral artery and basilar artery were observed through transcranial doppler sonography (TCD) before treatment, after deqi with acupuncture and after a course of treatment, respectively. The scores and therapeutic efficacy on clinical symptoms were assessed according to CV symptoms and the functional assessment scale as well as the Criteria for Diagnosis and Curative Effect in TCM Syndromes before treatment and after a course of treatment. ResultsBefore treatment, after deqi and after a course of treatment, the blood flow velocity of basilar artery (BA), left vertebral artery (LVA) and right vertebral artery (RVA) in 22 patients with a decreased blood flow velocity were respectively 23.20±4.84 vs 26.30 ±4.17 vs 29.20 ±4.20 (mm/s, BA), 21.65 ± 3.62 vs 24.20 ± 2.89 vs 26.40 ± 3.62 (mm/s, LVA) and 21.90±3.04 vs 24.25±3.01 vs 26.50±3.95 (mm/s, RVA); while in 18 patients with an increased blood flow velocity were respectively 39.94 ± 8.24 vs 35.17 ± 4.84 vs 32.06 ± 3.49 (mm/s, BA), 41.83 ± 5.64 vs 37.28 ± 2.32 vs 35.61 ± 2.09 (mm/s, LVA) and 37.11 ± 9.83 vs 32.22 ± 6.13 vs 28.11 ± 4.12 (mm/s, RVA). Except that the difference of blood flow velocity of RVA was not significant in patients with an increased blood flow velocity before treatment and after deqi (P> 0.05), the Vm of all vessels in 40 patients was improved after deqi with acupuncture and a course of treatment (P<0.01, P<0.05). According to CV symptoms and the functional assessment scale, before treatment and after a course of treatment, the scores were 15.68 ±5.35 and 26.30 ±3.76, respectively, indicating that after a course of treatment, the symptoms were significantly improved (P< 0.01). According to the Criteria for Diagnosis and Curative Effect in TCM Syndromes, after a course of treatment, the total effective rate was 100% (40/40) and the cured rate was 55.0% (22/40). ConclusionAcupuncture at LU 7 not only improves the blood supply of vertebral-basilar artery in CV patients, but also has a significant curative effect on improving the clinical symptoms.

Evaluation of the Combined Application of Ultrasound Imaging Techniques for Middle Cerebral Artery Stent Surveillance and Follow-Up Study

ObjectiveIn recent years, cerebral artery stenting has become an effective method for the treatment of cerebral artery stenosis. However, methods for assessing efficacy and techniques for follow-up imaging still need to be developed. This study was designed to evaluate the application of transcranial color-coded sonography (TCCS) in assessing stenting of middle cerebral artery (MCA) stenosis. And, two new imaging techniques (vascular enhancement technology (VET) and 3-dimensional (3D) imaging) were tried out and evaluated.MethodWe enrolled 43 patients with cerebral artery stenosis for vascular stent implantation. All patients were examined by ultrasonography and confirmed through digital subtraction angiography. The stenosis was imaged and blood flow parameters were analyzed before and after the procedure using TCCS. VET and 3D imaging model were used in part of the patients. Important postoperative hemodynamic changes were noted.Results1) Adequate stent image was present in 41 out of 43 patients as detected by postoperative 2-dimensional imaging. Images lacking clarity were obtained in 2 patients. 2) The perioperative and postoperative (one week follow-up) instantaneous blood flow velocity at the site of stenosis was significantly decreased (P<0.05) when compared with preoperative levels. Differences between postoperative (one week follow-up) and preoperative blood flow velocity were significant (P<0.05). Differences in blood flow velocity at long-term follow-up (six months and two years) compared to one-week values were not statistically significant (P>0.05). 3) VET imaging visualizes the MCA lumen and stent morphology clearly. 3D ultrasound can be used for imaging of the stent shape as well as its inner surface.ConclusionTCCD can be considered a quick and effective clinical detection method to evaluate the intracranial arterial hemodynamics changes before and after stenting treatment for MCA stenosis. New imaging technologies 3D and VET can achieve additional image information.

Clinical observation on acupuncture for migraine

To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture treatment for migraine. Forty cases were randomly allocated to a treatment group and a control group, 20 cases in each group. Cases in the treatment group were treated with acupuncture, while cases in the control group were treated with oral Sibelium. After that, the changes of cerebral blood flow were observed before and after treatment. There was significant difference in clinical efficacies between two groups (P<0.05). There were also significant differences in arterial blood flow velocities of before and after treatment. Acupuncture can produce substantial differences (P<0.05) in blood flow velocities of vertebral artery (VA), middle cerebral artery (MCA) and anterior cerebral artery (ACA) during an increased flow rate. It can also produce statistical differences in blood flow velocities of VA during a decreased flow rate (P<0.05). Acupuncture can effectively alleviate the pain of migraine sufferers and exert a two-way regulation on the cerebral blood flow.

Monitoring of drug and stimulation induced cerebral blood flow velocity changes in rat sensory cortex using spectral domain Doppler optical coherence tomography

Doppler optical coherence tomography (DOCT) provides a novel method to measure blood flow velocity in vessels with diameter at micrometer scale. In this study, a developed spectral domain DOCT system is applied to monitor cerebral blood flow velocity changes in a rat. An animal model with a cranial window is used, and by application of a drug, light, and electric stimulations, changes in blood flow velocity of the pial artery in sensory cortex are measured in real time. The results show significant differences in blood flow velocity before and after drug administration or light and electric stimulations, demonstrating the feasibility of DOCT in cerebral microcirculation study. Given its noninvasive nature, high spatial resolution, high velocity sensitivity, and high imaging speed, DOCT shows great promise in brain research by imaging blood flow changes at micrometer scale vessels, which helps to understand the pathogenesis of cerebral diseases and neurodegenerative diseases.