Cerebral autoregulation: an overview of current concepts and methodology with special focus on the elderly

A Coupled Lumped-Parameter and Distributed Network Model for Cerebral Pulse-Wave Hemodynamics

The cerebral circulation is unique in its ability to maintain blood flow to the brain under widely varying physiologic conditions. Incorporating this autoregulatory response is necessary for cerebral blood flow (CBF) modeling, as well as investigations into pathological conditions. We discuss a one-dimensional (1D) nonlinear model of blood flow in the cerebral arteries coupled to autoregulatory lumped-parameter (LP) networks. The LP networks incorporate intracranial pressure (ICP), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and cortical collateral blood flow models. The overall model is used to evaluate changes in CBF due to occlusions in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and common carotid artery (CCA). Velocity waveforms at the CCA and internal carotid artery (ICA) were examined prior and post MCA occlusion. Evident waveform changes due to the occlusion were observed, providing insight into cerebral vasospasm monitoring by morphological changes of the velocity or pressure waveforms. The role of modeling of collateral blood flows through cortical pathways and communicating arteries was also studied. When the MCA was occluded, the cortical collateral flow had an important compensatory role, whereas the communicating arteries in the circle of Willis (CoW) became more important when the CCA was occluded. To validate the model, simulations were conducted to reproduce a clinical test to assess dynamic autoregulatory function, and results demonstrated agreement with published measurements.

Multiple-input nonlinear modelling of cerebral haemodynamics using spontaneous arterial blood pressure, end-tidal CO2 and heart rate measurements

In order to examine the effect of changes in heart rate (HR) upon cerebral perfusion and autoregulation, we include the HR signal recorded from 18 control subjects as a third input in a two-input model of cerebral haemodynamics that has been used previously to quantify the dynamic effects of changes in arterial blood pressure and end-tidal CO2upon cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) measured at the middle cerebral arteries via transcranial Doppler ultrasound. It is shown that the inclusion of HR as a third input reduces the output prediction error in a statistically significant manner, which implies that there is a functional connection between HR changes and CBFV. The inclusion of nonlinearities in the model causes further statistically significant reduction of the output prediction error. To achieve this task, we employ the concept of principal dynamic modes (PDMs) that yields dynamic nonlinear models of multi-input systems using relatively short data records. The obtained PDMs suggest model-driven quantitative hypotheses for the role of sympathetic and parasympathetic activity (corresponding to distinct PDMs) in the underlying physiological mechanisms by virtue of their relative contributions to the model output. These relative PDM contributions are subject-specific and, therefore, may be used to assess personalized characteristics for diagnostic purposes.

Modified criteria for carotid sinus hypersensitivity are associated with increased mortality in a population-based study

AIMS

Carotid sinus hypersensitivity (CSH) is arbitrarily defined as ≥3 s asystole or vasodepression of ≥50 mmHg in response to carotid sinus massage (CSM). Using this definition, 39% of older people meet the criteria for CSH. It has been suggested that current criteria are too sensitive. Krediet et al. [The history of diagnosing carotid sinus hypersensitivity: why are the current criteria too sensitive? Europace 2011;13:14-22] and Kerr et al. [Carotid sinus hypersensitivity in asymptomatic older persons: implications for diagnosis of syncope and falls. Arch Intern Med 2006;166:515-20] have proposed modified criteria. This population-based study aimed to compare the prevalence of CSH defined according to standard, Krediet and Kerr criteria, and to establish if CSH defined according these criteria is associated with all-cause mortality.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 272 community-dwelling people aged ≥65 were recruited at random. Carotid sinus massage was performed for 5 s in supine and head-up positions. Heart rate and blood pressure response were recorded using an electrocardiogram and photoplethysmography. Cox regression analysis was used to examine the association between each definition of CSH and all-cause mortality. The prevalence of CSH defined according to standard, Krediet, and Kerr criteria was 39, 52, and 10%, respectively. Seventy-one participants died over a mean follow-up of 8.6 years (SD 2.1). Carotid sinus hypersensitivity defined according to standard and Krediet criteria was not associated with survival. Carotid sinus hypersensitivity defined according to Kerr criteria was associated with all-cause mortality independent of age and sex [hazard ratio (HR) 2.023 (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.131-3.618) P = 0.018)]. This remained significant after adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors [HR 2.174 (1.075-3.900) P = 0.009].

CONCLUSION

Carotid sinus hypersensitivity defined according to Kerr criteria is associated with increased mortality. This raises an interesting question as to the suitability of the current criteria used to define CSH.

Vascular cognitive impairment and dementia

Vascular contributions to cognitive impairment are receiving heightened attention as potentially modifiable factors for dementias of later life. These factors have now been linked not only to vascular cognitive disorders but also Alzheimer's disease. In this chapter we review 3 related topics that address vascular contributions to cognitive impairment: 1. vascular pathogenesis and mechanisms; 2. neuropsychological and neuroimaging phenotypic manifestations of cerebrovascular disease; and 3. prospects for prevention of cognitive impairment of later life based on cardiovascular and stroke risk modification. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Vascular Contributions to Cognitive Impairment and Dementia edited by M. Paul Murphy, Roderick A. Corriveau and Donna M. Wilcock.

Transcranial doppler and near infrared spectroscopy in the perioperative period

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Maintenance of adequate blood flow and oxygen to the brain is one of the principal endpoints of all surgery and anesthesia. During operations in general anesthesia, however, the brain is at particular risk for silent ischemia. Despite this risk, the brain still remains one of the last monitored organs in clincial anesthesiology.

RECENT FINDINGS

Transcranial Doppler (TCD) sonography and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) experience a revival as these noninvasive technologies help to detect silent cerebral ischemia. TCD allows for quantification of blood flow velocities in basal intracranial arteries. TCD-derived variables such as the pulsatility index might hint toward diminished cognitive reserve or raised intracranial pressure. NIRS allows for assessment of regional cerebral oxygenation. Monitoring should be performed during high-risk surgery for silent cerebral ischemia and special circumstances during critical care medicine. Both techniques allow for the assessment of cerebrovascular autoregulation and individualized management of cerebral hemodynamics.

SUMMARY

TCD and NIRS are noninvasive monitors that anesthesiologists apply to tailor cerebral oxygen delivery, aiming to safeguard brain function in the perioperative period.

Orthostatic Hypotension and Elevated Resting Heart Rate Predict Low-Energy Fractures in the Population: The Malmö Preventive Project

Background

Autonomic disorders of the cardiovascular system, such as orthostatic hypotension and elevated resting heart rate, predict mortality and cardiovascular events in the population. Low-energy-fractures constitute a substantial clinical problem that may represent an additional risk related to such autonomic dysfunction.

Aims

To test the association between orthostatic hypotension, resting heart rate and incidence of low-energy-fractures in the general population.

Methods and Results

Using multivariable-adjusted Cox regression models we investigated the association between orthostatic blood pressure response, resting heart rate and first incident low-energy-fracture in a population-based, middle-aged cohort of 33 000 individuals over 25 years follow-up.

The median follow-up time from baseline to first incident fracture among the subjects that experienced a low energy fracture was 15.0 years. A 10 mmHg orthostatic decrease in systolic blood pressure at baseline was associated with 5% increased risk of low-energy-fractures (95% confidence interval 1.01–1.10) during follow-up, whereas the resting heart rate predicted low-energy-fractures with an effect size of 8% increased risk per 10 beats-per-minute (1.05–1.12), independently of the orthostatic response. Subjects with a resting heart rate exceeding 68 beats-per-minute had 18% (1.10–1.26) increased risk of low-energy-fractures during follow-up compared with subjects with a resting heart rate below 68 beats-per-minute. When combining the orthostatic response and resting heart rate, there was a 30% risk increase (1.08–1.57) of low-energy-fractures between the extremes, i.e. between subjects in the fourth compared with the first quartiles of both resting heart rate and systolic blood pressure-decrease.

Conclusion

Orthostatic blood pressure decline and elevated resting heart rate independently predict low-energy fractures in a middle-aged population. These two measures of subclinical cardiovascular dysautonomia may herald increased risks many years in advance, even if symptoms may not be detectable. Although the effect sizes are moderate, the easily accessible clinical parameters of orthostatic blood pressure response and resting heart rate deserve consideration as new risk predictors to yield more accurate decisions on primary prevention of low-energy fractures.

Cerebral Vascular Control and Metabolism in Heat Stress

This review provides an in-depth update on the impact of heat stress on cerebrovascular functioning. The regulation of cerebral temperature, blood flow, and metabolism are discussed. We further provide an overview of vascular permeability, the neurocognitive changes, and the key clinical implications and pathologies known to confound cerebral functioning during hyperthermia. A reduction in cerebral blood flow (CBF), derived primarily from a respiratory-induced alkalosis, underscores the cerebrovascular changes to hyperthermia. Arterial pressures may also become compromised because of reduced peripheral resistance secondary to skin vasodilatation. Therefore, when hyperthermia is combined with conditions that increase cardiovascular strain, for example, orthostasis or dehydration, the inability to preserve cerebral perfusion pressure further reduces CBF. A reduced cerebral perfusion pressure is in turn the primary mechanism for impaired tolerance to orthostatic challenges. Any reduction in CBF attenuates the brain's convective heat loss, while the hyperthermic-induced increase in metabolic rate increases the cerebral heat gain. This paradoxical uncoupling of CBF to metabolism increases brain temperature, and potentiates a condition whereby cerebral oxygenation may be compromised. With levels of experimentally viable passive hyperthermia (up to 39.5-40.0 °C core temperature), the associated reduction in CBF (∼ 30%) and increase in cerebral metabolic demand (∼ 10%) is likely compensated by increases in cerebral oxygen extraction. However, severe increases in whole-body and brain temperature may increase blood-brain barrier permeability, potentially leading to cerebral vasogenic edema. The cerebrovascular challenges associated with hyperthermia are of paramount importance for populations with compromised thermoregulatory control--for example, spinal cord injury, elderly, and those with preexisting cardiovascular diseases.

Transfer function analysis of dynamic cerebral autoregulation: A white paper from the International Cerebral Autoregulation Research Network

Cerebral autoregulation is the intrinsic ability of the brain to maintain adequate cerebral perfusion in the presence of blood pressure changes. A large number of methods to assess the quality of cerebral autoregulation have been proposed over the last 30 years. However, no single method has been universally accepted as a gold standard. Therefore, the choice of which method to employ to quantify cerebral autoregulation remains a matter of personal choice. Nevertheless, given the concept that cerebral autoregulation represents the dynamic relationship between blood pressure (stimulus or input) and cerebral blood flow (response or output), transfer function analysis became the most popular approach adopted in studies based on spontaneous fluctuations of blood pressure. Despite its sound theoretical background, the literature shows considerable variation in implementation of transfer function analysis in practice, which has limited comparisons between studies and hindered progress towards clinical application. Therefore, the purpose of the present white paper is to improve standardisation of parameters and settings adopted for application of transfer function analysis in studies of dynamic cerebral autoregulation. The development of these recommendations was initiated by (but not confined to) theCerebral Autoregulation Research Network(CARNet -www.car-net.org).

The Dynamic cerebral autoregulatory adaptive response to noradrenaline is attenuated during systemic inflammation in humans

Vasopressor support is used widely for maintaining vital organ perfusion pressure in septic shock, with implications for dynamic cerebral autoregulation (dCA). This study investigated whether a noradrenaline-induced steady state increase in mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) would enhance dCA following lipopolysaccharide (LPS) infusion, a human-experimental model of the systemic inflammatory response during early sepsis. The dCA in eight healthy males was examined prior to and during an intended noradrenaline-induced MAP increase of approximately 30 mmHg. This was performed at baseline and repeated after a 4-h intravenous LPS infusion. The assessments of dCA were based on transfer function analysis of spontaneous oscillations between MAP and middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity measured by transcranial Doppler ultrasound in the low frequency range (0.07-0.20 Hz). Prior to LPS, noradrenaline administration was associated with a decrease in gain (1.18 (1.12-1.35) vs 0.93 (0.87-0.97) cm/mmHg per s; P < 0.05) with no effect on phase (0.71 (0.93-0.66) vs 0.94 (0.81-1.10) radians; P = 0.58). After LPS, noradrenaline administration changed neither gain (0.91 (0.85-1.01) vs 0.87 (0.81-0.97) cm/mmHg per s; P = 0.46) nor phase (1.10 (1.04-1.30) vs 1.37 (1.23-1.51) radians; P = 0.64). The improvement of dCA to a steady state increase in MAP is attenuated during an LPS-induced systemic inflammatory response. This may suggest that vasopressor treatment with noradrenaline offers no additional neuroprotective effect by enhancing dCA in patients with early sepsis.

Cerebral vascular effects of loading dose of dexmedetomidine: A Transcranial Color Doppler study

Background:

Dexmedetomidine has been widely used in critical care settings because of its property of maintaining stable hemodynamics and inducing conscious sedation. The use of dexmedetomidine is in increasing trend particularly in patients with neurological disorders. Very few studies have focused on the cerebral hemodynamic effects of dexmedetomidine. This study is aimed to address this issue.

Methods:

Thirty patients without any intracranial pathology were included in this study. Middle cerebral artery flow velocity obtained from transcranial color Doppler was used to assess the cerebral hemodynamic indices. Mean flow velocity (mFV), pulsatility index (PI), cerebral vascular resistant index (CVRi), estimated cerebral perfusion pressure (eCPP), and zero flow pressure (ZFP) were calculated bilaterally at baseline and after infusion of injection Dexmedetomidine 1 mcg/Kg over 10 min.

Results:

Twenty-six patients completed the study protocol. After administration of loading dose of dexmedetomidine, mFV and eCPP values were significantly decreased in both hemispheres (P < 0.05); PI, CVRi, and ZFP values showed significant increase (P < 0.05) after dexmedetomidine infusion.

Conclusion:

Increase in PI, CVRi, and ZFP suggests that there is a possibility of an increase in distal cerebral vascular resistance (CVR) with loading dose of dexmedetomidine. Decrease in mFV and eCPP along with an increase in CVR may lead to a decrease in cerebral perfusion. This effect can be exaggerated in patients with preexisting neurological illness. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effect of dexmedetomidine on various other pathological conditions involving brain like traumatic brain injury and vascular malformations.

How measurement artifacts affect cerebral autoregulation outcomes: A technical note on transfer function analysis

Cerebral autoregulation (CA) is the mechanism that aims to maintain adequate cerebral perfusion during changes in blood pressure (BP). Transfer function analysis (TFA), the most reported method in literature to quantify CA, shows large between-study variability in outcomes. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of measurement artifacts in this variation. Specifically, the role of distortion in the BP and/or CBFV measurementon TFA outcomes was investigated. The influence of three types of artifacts on TFA outcomes was studied: loss of signal, motion artifacts, and baseline drifts. TFA metrics of signals without the simulated artifacts were compared with those of signals with artifacts. TFA outcomes scattered highly when more than 10% of BP signal or over 8% of the CBFV signal was lost, or when measurements contained one or more artifacts resulting from head movement. Furthermore, baseline drift affected interpretation of TFA outcomes when the power in the BP signal was 5 times the power in the LF band. In conclusion, loss of signal in BP and loss in CBFV, affects interpretation of TFA outcomes. Therefore, it is vital to validate signal quality to the defined standards before interpreting TFA outcomes.

Non-ionizing radiofrequency electromagnetic waves traversing the head can be used to detect cerebrovascular autoregulation responses

Monitoring changes in non-ionizing radiofrequency electromagnetic waves as they traverse the brain can detect the effects of stimuli employed in cerebrovascular autoregulation (CVA) tests on the brain, without contact and in real time. CVA is a physiological phenomenon of importance to health, used for diagnosis of a number of diseases of the brain with a vascular component. The technology described here is being developed for use in diagnosis of injuries and diseases of the brain in rural and economically underdeveloped parts of the world. A group of nine subjects participated in this pilot clinical evaluation of the technology. Substantial research remains to be done on correlating the measurements with physiology and anatomy.

Orthostatic Cerebral Hypoperfusion Syndrome

OBJECTIVE

Orthostatic dizziness without orthostatic hypotension is common but underlying pathophysiology is poorly understood. This study describes orthostatic cerebral hypoperfusion syndrome (OCHOs). OCHOs is defined by (1) abnormal orthostatic drop of cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFv) during the tilt test and (2) absence of orthostatic hypotension, arrhythmia, vascular abnormalities, or other causes of abnormal orthostatic CBFv.

METHODS

This retrospective study included patients referred for evaluation of unexplained orthostatic dizziness. Patients underwent standardized autonomic testing, including 10 min of tilt test. The following signals were monitored: heart rate, end tidal CO2, blood pressure, and CBFv from the middle cerebral artery using transcranial Doppler. Patients were screened for OCHOs. Patients who fulfilled the OCHOs criteria were compared to age- and gender-matched controls.

RESULTS

From 1279 screened patients, 102 patients (60/42 women/men, age 51.1 ± 14.9, range 19-84 years) fulfilled criteria of OCHOs. There was no difference in baseline supine hemodynamic variables between OCHOs and the control group. During the tilt, mean CBFv decreased 24.1 ± 8.2% in OCHOs versus 4.2 ± 5.6% in controls (p < 0.0001) without orthostatic hypotension in both groups. Supine mean blood pressure (OCHOs/controls, 90.5 ± 10.6/91.1 ± 9.4 mmHg, p = 0.62) remained unchanged during the tilt (90.4 ± 9.7/92.1 ± 9.6 mmHg, p = 0.2). End tidal CO2 and heart rate responses to the tilt were normal and equal in both groups.

CONCLUSION

OCHOs is a novel syndrome of low orthostatic CBFv. Two main pathophysiological mechanisms are proposed, including active cerebral vasoconstriction and passive increase of peripheral venous compliance. OCHOs may be a common cause of orthostatic dizziness.

Individual variability of cerebral autoregulation, posterior cerebral circulation and white matter hyperintensity

KEY POINTS

Cerebral autoregulation (CA) is a key mechanism to protect brain perfusion in the face of changes in arterial blood pressure, but little is known about individual variability of CA and its relationship to the presence of brain white matter hyperintensity (WMH) in older adults, a type of white matter lesion related to cerebral small vessel disease (SVD). This study demonstrated the presence of large individual variability of CA in healthy older adults during vasoactive drug-induced changes in arterial pressure assessed at the internal carotid and vertebral arteries. We also observed, unexpectedly, that it was the 'over-' rather than the 'less-reactive' CA measured at the vertebral artery that was associated with WMH severity. These findings challenge the traditional concept of CA and suggest that the presence of cerebral SVD, manifested as WMH, is associated with posterior brain hypoperfusion during acute increase in arterial pressure.

ABSTRACT

This study measured the individual variability of static cerebral autoregulation (CA) and determined its associations with brain white matter hyperintensity (WMH) in older adults. Twenty-seven healthy older adults (13 females, 66 ± 6 years) underwent assessment of CA during steady-state changes in mean arterial pressure (MAP) induced by intravenous infusion of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and phenylephrine. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) was measured using colour-coded duplex ultrasonography at the internal carotid (ICA) and vertebral arteries (VA). CA was quantified by a linear regression slope (CA slope) between percentage changes in cerebrovascular resistance (CVR = MAP/CBF) and MAP relative to baseline values. Periventricular and deep WMH volumes were measured with T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. MAP was reduced by -11 ± 7% during SNP, and increased by 21 ± 8% during phenylephrine infusion. CA demonstrated large individual variability with the CA slopes ranging from 0.37 to 2.20 at the ICA and from 0.17 to 3.18 at the VA; no differences in CA were found between the ICA and VA. CA slopes measured at the VA had positive correlations with the total and periventricular WMH volume (r = 0.55 and 0.59, P < 0.01). Collectively, these findings demonstrated the presence of large individual variability of CA in older adults, and that, when measured in the posterior cerebral circulation, it is the higher rather than lower CA reactivity that is associated with WMH severity.

Comparison of peripheral near-infrared spectroscopy low-frequency oscillations to other denoising methods in resting state functional MRI with ultrahigh temporal resolution

PURPOSE

Functional MRI (fMRI) blood-oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signals result not only from neuronal activation, but also from nonneuronal physiological processes. These changes, especially in the low-frequency domain (0.01-0.2 Hz), can significantly confound inferences about neuronal processes. It is crucial to effectively identify these nuisance low-frequency oscillations (LFOs).

METHOD

A high temporal resolution (repetition time, ∼0.5 s) fMRI resting state study was conducted with simultaneous physiological measurements to compare LFOs measured directly by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in the periphery and three methods that model LFOs from the respiration or cardiac signal: 1) the respiration volume per time (RVT), 2) the respiratory variation (RVRRF), and 3) the cardiac variation method (HRCRF). The LFO noise regressors from these methods were compared temporally and spatially as well as in their denoising efficiency.

RESULTS

Methods were not highly correlated with one another, temporally or spatially. The set of two NIRS LFOs combined explained over 13% of BOLD signal variance and explained equal or more variance than HRCRF and RVRRF or RVT combined (in 14 of 16 participants).

CONCLUSION

LFOs collected using NIRS in the periphery contain distinct temporal and spatial information about the LFOs in BOLD fMRI that is not contained in current low-frequency denoising methods derived from respiration and cardiac pulsation. Magn Reson Med 76:1697-1707, 2016. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

Oscillatory lower body negative pressure impairs task related functional hyperemia in healthy volunteers

Neurovascular coupling refers to the link between an increase in neural activity in response to a task and an increase in cerebral blood flow denoted "functional hyperemia." Recent work on postural tachycardia syndrome indicated that increased oscillatory cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFv) was associated with reduced functional hyperemia. We hypothesized that a reduction in functional hyperemia could be causally produced in healthy volunteers by using oscillations in lower body negative pressure (OLBNP) to force oscillations in CBFv. CBFv was measured by transcranial Doppler ultrasound of the left middle cerebral artery. We used passive arm flexion applied during eight periodic 60-s flexion/60-s relaxation epochs to produce 120-s periodic changes in functional hyperemia (at 0.0083 Hz). We used -30 mmHg of OLBNP at 0.03, 0.05, and 0.10 Hz, the range for cerebral autoregulation, and measured spectral power of CBFv at all frequencies. Arm flexion power performed without OLBNP was compared with arm flexion power during OLBNP. OLBNP power performed in isolation was compared with power during OLBNP plus arm flexion. Cerebral flow velocity oscillations at 0.05 Hz reduced and at 0.10 Hz eliminated functional hyperemia, while 0.03 Hz did not reach significance. In contrast, arm flexion reduced OLBNP-induced oscillatory power at all frequencies. The interactions between OLBNP-driven CBFv oscillations and arm flexion-driven CBFv oscillations are reciprocal. Thus induced cerebral blood flow oscillations suppress functional hyperemia, and functional hyperemia suppresses cerebral blood flow oscillations. We conclude that oscillatory cerebral blood flow produces a causal reduction of functional hyperemia.

Relationship between blood pressure and cerebral blood flow during supine cycling: influence of aging

The cerebral pressure-flow relationship can be quantified as a high-pass filter, where slow oscillations are buffered (<0.20 Hz) and faster oscillations are passed through relatively unimpeded. During moderate intensity exercise, previous studies have reported paradoxical transfer function analysis (TFA) findings (altered phase or intact gain). This study aimed to determine whether these previous findings accurately represent this relationship. Both younger (20-30 yr; n = 10) and older (62-72 yr; n = 9) adults were examined. To enhance the signal-to-noise ratio, large oscillations in blood pressure (via oscillatory lower body negative pressure; OLBNP) were induced during steady-state moderate intensity supine exercise (∼45-50% of heart rate reserve). Beat-to-beat blood pressure, cerebral blood velocity, and end-tidal Pco2 were monitored. Very low frequency (0.02-0.07 Hz) and low frequency (0.07-0.20 Hz) range spontaneous data were quantified. Driven OLBNP point estimates were sampled at 0.05 and 0.10 Hz. The OLBNP maneuvers augmented coherence to >0.97 at 0.05 Hz and >0.98 at 0.10 Hz in both age groups. The OLBNP protocol conclusively revealed the cerebrovascular system functions as a high-pass filter during exercise throughout aging. It was also discovered that the older adults had elevations (+71%) in normalized gain (+0.46 ± 0.36%/%: 0.05 Hz) and reductions (-34%) in phase (-0.24 ± 0.22 radian: 0.10 Hz). There were also age-related phase differences between resting and exercise conditions. It is speculated that these age-related changes in the TFA metrics are mediated by alterations in vasoactive factors, sympathetic tone, or the mechanical buffering of the compliance vessels.

The bidirectional association between reduced cerebral blood flow and brain atrophy in the general population

The question remains whether reduced cerebral blood flow (CBF) leads to brain atrophy or vice versa. We studied the longitudinal relation between CBF and brain volume in a community-dwelling population. In the Rotterdam Study, 3011 participants (mean age 59.6 years (s.d. 8.0)) underwent repeat brain magnetic resonance imaging to quantify brain volume and CBF at two time points. Adjusted linear regression models were used to investigate the bidirectional relation between CBF and brain volume. We found that smaller brain volume at baseline was associated with a steeper decrease in CBF in the whole population (standardized change per s.d. increase of total brain volume (TBV)=0.296 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.200; 0.393)). Only in persons aged ⩾65 years, a lower CBF at baseline was associated with steeper decline of TBV (standardized change per s.d. increase of CBF=0.003 (95% CI -0.004; 0.010) in the whole population and 0.020 (95% CI 0.004; 0.036) in those aged ⩾65 years of age). Our results indicate that brain atrophy causes CBF to decrease over time, rather than vice versa. Only in persons aged >65 years of age did we find lower CBF to also relate to brain atrophy.

Compartmental and Data-Based Modeling of Cerebral Hemodynamics: Linear Analysis

Compartmental and data-based modeling of cerebral hemodynamics are alternative approaches that utilize distinct model forms and have been employed in the quantitative study of cerebral hemodynamics. This paper examines the relation between a compartmental equivalent-circuit and a data-based input-output model of dynamic cerebral autoregulation (DCA) and CO2-vasomotor reactivity (DVR). The compartmental model is constructed as an equivalent-circuit utilizing putative first principles and previously proposed hypothesis-based models. The linear input-output dynamics of this compartmental model are compared with data-based estimates of the DCA-DVR process. This comparative study indicates that there are some qualitative similarities between the two-input compartmental model and experimental results.

Multimodality monitoring, inflammation, and neuroregeneration in subarachnoid hemorrhage

BACKGROUND

Stroke, including subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The mortality rate of poor-grade SAH ranges from 34% to 52%. In an attempt to improve SAH outcomes, clinical research on multimodality monitoring has been performed, as has basic science research on inflammation and neuroregeneration (which can occur due to injury-induced neurogenesis). Nevertheless, the current literature does not focus on the integrated study of these fields. Multimodality monitoring corresponds to physiological data obtained during clinical management by both noninvasive and invasive methods. Regarding inflammation and neuroregeneration, evidence suggests that, in all types of stroke, a proinflammatory phase and an anti-inflammatory phase occur consecutively; these phases affect neurogenesis, which is also influenced by other pathophysiological features of stroke, such as ischemia, seizures, and spreading depression.

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether injury-induced neurogenesis is a prognostic factor in poor-grade SAH that can be monitored and modulated.

METHODS

We propose a protocol for multimodality monitoring-guided hypothermia in poor-grade SAH in which cellular and molecular markers of inflammation and neuroregeneration can be monitored in parallel with clinical and multimodal data.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES

This study may reveal correlations between markers of inflammation and neurogenesis in blood and cerebrospinal fluid, based on clinical and multimodality monitoring parameters.

DISCUSSION

This protocol has the potential to lead to new therapies for acute, diffuse, and severe brain diseases.

Deferoxamine, Cerebrovascular Hemodynamics, and Vascular Aging: Potential Role for Hypoxia-Inducible Transcription Factor-1-Regulated Pathways

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Iron chelation therapy is emerging as a novel neuroprotective strategy. The mechanisms of neuroprotection are diverse and include both neuronal and vascular pathways. We sought to examine the effect of iron chelation on cerebrovascular function in healthy aging and to explore whether hypoxia-inducible transcription factor-1 activation may be temporally correlated with vascular changes.

METHODS

We assessed cerebrovascular function (autoregulation, vasoreactivity, and neurovascular coupling) and serum concentrations of vascular endothelial growth factor and erythropoietin, as representative measures of hypoxia-inducible transcription factor-1 activation, during 6 hours of deferoxamine infusion in 24 young and 24 older healthy volunteers in a randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled cross-over study design. Cerebrovascular function was assessed using the transcranial Doppler ultrasound. Vascular endothelial growth factor and erythropoietin serum protein assays were conducted using the Meso Scale Discovery platform.

RESULTS

Deferoxamine elicited a strong age- and time-dependent increase in the plasma concentrations of erythropoietin and vascular endothelial growth factor, which persisted ≤3 hours post infusion (age effect P=0.04; treatment×time P<0.01). Deferoxamine infusion also resulted in a significant time- and age-dependent improvement in cerebral vasoreactivity (treatment×time P<0.01; age P<0.01) and cerebral autoregulation (gain: age×time×treatment P=0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Deferoxamine infusion improved cerebrovascular function, particularly in older individuals. The temporal association between improved cerebrovascular function and increased serum vascular endothelial growth factor and erythropoietin concentrations is supportive of shared hypoxia-inducible transcription factor-1-regulated pathways. Therefore, pharmacological activation of hypoxia-inducible transcription factor-1 to enhance cerebrovascular function may be a promising neuroprotective strategy in acute and chronic ischemic syndromes, especially in elderly patients.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT013655104.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome: clinical and radiological manifestations, pathophysiology, and outstanding questions

Almost two decades have elapsed since posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) was described in an influential case series. This usually reversible clinical syndrome is becoming increasingly recognised, in large part because of improved and more readily available brain imaging. Although the pathophysiological changes underlying PRES are not fully understood, endothelial dysfunction is a key factor. A diagnosis of PRES should be considered in the setting of acute neurological symptoms in patients with renal failure, blood pressure fluctuations, use of cytotoxic drugs, autoimmune disorders, or eclampsia. Characteristic radiographic findings include bilateral regions of subcortical vasogenic oedema that resolve within days or weeks. The presence of haemorrhage, restricted diffusion, contrast enhancement, and vasoconstriction are all compatible with a diagnosis. In most cases, PRES resolves spontaneously and patients show both clinical and radiological improvements. The range of symptoms that can comprise the syndrome might be broader than usually thought. In its mild form, this disorder might cause only one clinical symptom (headache or seizure) and radiographically might show few areas of vasogenic oedema or even normal brain imaging in some rare cases. In severe forms, PRES might cause substantial morbidity and even mortality, most often as a result of acute haemorrhage or massive posterior fossa oedema causing obstructive hydrocephalus or brainstem compression.

Cardiorespiratory fitness modifies the relationship between myocardial function and cerebral blood flow in older adults

A growing body of evidence indicates that cardiorespiratory fitness attenuates some age-related cerebral declines. However, little is known about the role that myocardial function plays in this relationship. Brain regions with high resting metabolic rates, such as the default mode network (DMN), may be especially vulnerable to age-related declines in myocardial functions affecting cerebral blood flow (CBF). This study explored the relationship between a measure of myocardial mechanics, global longitudinal strain (GLS), and CBF to the DMN. In addition, we explored how cardiorespiratory affects this relationship. Participants were 30 older adults between the ages of 59 and 69 (mean age=63.73years, SD=2.8). Results indicated that superior cardiorespiratory fitness and myocardial mechanics were positively associated with DMN CBF. Moreover, results of a mediation analysis revealed that the relationship between GLS and DMN CBF was accounted for by individual differences in fitness. Findings suggest that benefits of healthy heart function to brain function are modified by fitness.

Cerebral autoregulation, beta amyloid, and white matter hyperintensities are interrelated

Emerging studies link vascular risk factors and cerebrovascular health to the prevalence and rates of progression in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The brain's ability to maintain constant blood flow across a range of cerebral perfusion pressures, or autoregulation, may both promote and result from small vessel cerebrovascular disease and AD-related amyloid pathology. Here, we examined the relationship among cerebral autoregulation, small vessel cerebrovascular disease, and amyloid deposition in 14 non-demented older adults. Reduced cerebral autoregulation, was associated with increased amyloid deposition and increased white matter hyperintensity volume, which, in turn were positively associated with each other. For the first time in humans, we demonstrate an interrelationship among AD pathology, small vessel cerebrovascular disease, and cerebral autoregulation. Vascular factors and AD pathology are not independent but rather appear to interact.

Value of dynamic susceptibility contrast perfusion MRI in the acute phase of transient global amnesia

PURPOSE

Transient global amnesia (TGA) is a transitory, short-lasting neurological disorder characterized by a sudden onset of antero- and retrograde amnesia. Perfusion abnormalities in TGA have been evaluated mainly by use of positron emission tomography (PET) or single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). In the present study we explore the value of dynamic susceptibility contrast perfusion-weighted MRI (PWI) in TGA in the acute phase.

METHODS

From a MRI report database we identified TGA patients who underwent MRI including PWI in the acute phase and compared these to control subjects. Quantitative perfusion maps (cerebral blood flow (CBF) and volume (CBV)) were generated and analyzed by use of Signal Processing In NMR-Software (SPIN). CBF and CBV values in subcortical brain regions were assessed by use of VOI created in FIRST, a model-based segmentation tool in the Oxford Centre for Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Brain (FMRIB) Software Library (FSL).

RESULTS

Five TGA patients were included (2 men, 3 women). On PWI, no relevant perfusion alterations were found by visual inspection in TGA patients. Group comparisons for possible differences between TGA patients and control subjects showed significant lower rCBF values bilaterally in the hippocampus, in the left thalamus and globus pallidus as well as bilaterally in the putamen and the left caudate nucleus. Correspondingly, significant lower rCBV values were observed bilaterally in the hippocampus and the putamen as well as in the left caudate nucleus. Group comparisons for possible side differences in rCBF and rCBV values in TGA patients revealed a significant lower rCBV value in the left caudate nucleus.

CONCLUSIONS

Mere visual inspection of PWI is not sufficient for the assessment of perfusion changes in TGA in the acute phase. Group comparisons with healthy control subjects might be useful to detect subtle perfusion changes on PWI in TGA patients. However, this should be confirmed in larger data sets and serial PWI examinations.

Dynamic cerebral autoregulation is transiently impaired for one week after large-vessel acute ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND

Dynamic cerebral autoregulation (DCA) is the continuous counterregulation of cerebral blood flow to fluctuations in blood pressure. DCA can become impaired after acute stroke, but it remains unclear to what extent and over what interval this occurs.

METHODS

We included 28 patients (NIHSS = 12 ± 6.5, age = 68.4 ± 17.1, 16F) with acute large-vessel ischemic stroke in the middle cerebral artery territory and 29 healthy controls (mean age 54.9 ± 9, 16F). DCA was assessed by simultaneous measurement of blood pressure together with blood flow velocities using finger plethysmography/arterial catheter and transcranial Doppler over three 10-minute recordings on days 0-2, 3-6 and ≥7 days after stroke. Transfer function analysis was applied to calculate average phase shift (PS) in the low frequency range (0.06-0.12 Hz). Less PS indicated poorer autoregulation. The affected side was compared with the unaffected side and controls. Univariate comparisons of data were performed using t tests at single time points, and generalized estimating equations with an exchangeable correlation matrix to examine the change in PS over time.

RESULTS

At mean 1.3 ± 0.5 days after stroke the average PS in the affected hemisphere was 29.6 ± 10.5 vs. 42.5 ± 13 degrees in the unaffected hemisphere (p = 0.004). At 4.1 ± 1 days, the PS in affected and unaffected hemisphere was 23.2 ± 19.1 vs. 41.7 ± 18.5 degrees, respectively (p = 0.003). At mean 9.75 ± 2.2 days stroke there was no difference between the affected and the unaffected hemisphere (53.2 ± 28.2 vs. 50.7 ± 29.2 degrees, p = 0.69). Control subjects had an average PS = 47.9 ± 16.8, significantly different from patients' affected hemisphere at the first two measurements (p = 0.001), but not the third (p = 0.37). The PS in controls remained unchanged on repeat testing after an average 19.1 days (48.4 ± 17.1, p = 0.61). Using the last recording as the reference, the average PS in the affected hemisphere was -23.54 (-44.1, -3) degrees lower on recording one (p = 0.025), and -31.6 (-56.1, -7.1) degrees lower on recording two (p < 0.011). Changes in the unaffected hemisphere over time were nonsignificant.

DISCUSSION

These data suggest that dynamic cerebral autoregulation is impaired in the affected hemisphere throughout the first week after large-vessel ischemic stroke, and then normalizes by week two. These findings may have important implications for acute blood pressure management after stroke.

Elevated cerebrovascular resistance index is associated with cognitive dysfunction in the very-old

INTRODUCTION

Age-related vascular changes, including blood pressure elevation and cerebral blood flow (CBF) reduction, are associated with cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Evidence suggests that the relationship between blood pressure and dementia risk varies between younger and older samples within the elderly population.

METHODS

We examined the relationship between mean arterial pressure (MAP), CBF, and cognition in young-old (60 to 75 years of age) versus very-old (80+ years of age) adults. Fifty-eight non-demented older adults completed an arterial spin labeling MRI scan, and an index of cerebrovascular resistance (CVRi) was estimated for each participant by calculating the ratio of MAP and CBF.

RESULTS

Results demonstrated a similar negative relationship between MAP and CBF across both age groups. However, very-old participants exhibited elevated CVRi and reduced CBF compared to young-old participants in regions implicated in AD and cerebral small vessel disease. Furthermore, significant age by CVRi interactions revealed that elevated CVRi in the thalamus was inversely related to verbal fluency performance in the very-old group.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings support CVRi as a potential vascular biomarker and suggest that regionally-specific vascular changes may contribute to cognitive decline, particularly in the very-old.

Modeling Cerebral Blood Flow Velocity During Orthostatic Stress

Cerebral autoregulation refers to the physiological process that maintains stable cerebral blood flow (CBF) during changes in arterial blood pressure (ABP). In this study, we propose a simple, nonlinear quantitative model with only four parameters that can predict CBF velocity as a function of ABP. The model was motivated by the viscoelastic-like behavior observed in the data collected during postural change from sitting to standing. Qualitative testing of the model involved analysis of dynamic responses to step-changes in pressure both within and outside the autoregulatory range, while quantitative testing was used to show that the model can fit dynamics observed in data measured from a healthy young and a healthy elderly subject. The latter involved analysis of structural and practical identifiability, sensitivity analysis, and parameter estimation. Results showed that the model is able to reproduce observed overshoot and adaptation and predict the different responses in the healthy young and the healthy elderly subject. For the healthy young subject, the overshoot was significantly more pronounced than for the elderly subject, but the recovery time was longer for the young subject. These differences resulted in different parameter values estimated using the two datasets.

Prefrontal cortex hemodynamics and age: a pilot study using functional near infrared spectroscopy in children

Cerebral hemodynamics reflect cognitive processes and underlying physiological processes, both of which are captured by functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Here, we introduce a novel parameter of Oxygenation Variability directly obtained from fNIRS data —the OV Index—and we demonstrate its use in children. fNIRS data were collected from 17 children (ages 4–8 years), while they performed a standard Go/No-Go task. Data were analyzed using two frequency bands—the first attributed to cerebral autoregulation (CA) (<0.1 Hz) and the second to respiration (0.2–0.3 Hz). Results indicate differences in variability of oscillations of oxygen saturation (SO₂) between the two different bands. These pilot data reveal a dynamic relationship between chronological age and OV index in CA associated frequency of <0.1 Hz. Specifically, OV index increased with age between 4 and 6 years. In addition, there was much higher variability in frequencies associated with CA than for respiration across subjects. These findings provide preliminary evidence for the utility of the OV index and are the first to describe the relationship between cerebral autoregulation and age in children using fNIRS methodology.

Flow Augmentation in Acute Ischemic Stroke

There is an urgent need for additional therapeutic options for acute ischemic stroke considering the major pitfalls of the options available. Herein, we briefly review the role of cerebral blood flow, collaterals, vasoreactivity, and reperfusion injury in acute ischemic stroke. Then, we reviewed pharmacological and interventional measures such as volume expansion and induced hypertension, intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation, partial aortic occlusion, extracranial-intracranial carotid bypass surgery, sphenopalatine ganglion stimulation, and transcranial laser therapy with regard to their effects on flow augmentation and neuroprotection.

Relationship Between Cerebral Blood Flow and Blood Pressure in Long-Term Heart Transplant Recipients

Heart transplant recipients are at an increased risk for cerebral hemorrhage and ischemic stroke; yet, the exact mechanism for this derangement remains unclear. We hypothesized that alterations in cerebrovascular regulation is principally involved. To test this hypothesis, we studied cerebral pressure-flow dynamics in 8 clinically stable male heart transplant recipients (62±8 years of age and 9±7 years post transplant, mean±SD), 9 male age-matched controls (63±8 years), and 10 male donor controls (27±5 years). To increase blood pressure variability and improve assessment of the pressure-flow dynamics, subjects performed squat–stand maneuvers at 0.05 and 0.10 Hz. Beat-to-beat blood pressure, middle cerebral artery velocity, and end-tidal carbon dioxide were continuously measured during 5 minutes of seated rest and throughout the squat–stand maneuvers. Cardiac baroreceptor sensitivity gain and cerebral pressure-flow responses were assessed with linear transfer function analysis. Heart transplant recipients had reductions in R-R interval power and baroreceptor sensitivity low frequency gain ( P <0.01) compared with both control groups; however, these changes were unrelated to transfer function metrics. Thus, in contrast to our hypothesis, the increased risk of cerebrovascular complication after heart transplantation does not seem to be related to alterations in cerebral pressure-flow dynamics. Future research is, therefore, warranted.

Cerebral autoregulation in response to posture change in elderly subjects-assessment by wavelet phase coherence analysis of cerebral tissue oxyhemoglobin concentrations and arterial blood pressure signals

This study aims to assess the dynamic cerebral autoregulation (dCA) in response to posture change using wavelet phase coherence (WPCO) of cerebral tissue oxyhemoglobin concentrations (Delta [HbO2]) and arterial blood pressure (ABP) signals in healthy elderly subjects. Continuous recordings of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and ABP signals were obtained from simultaneous measurements in 16 healthy elderly subjects (age: 68.9±7.1 years) and 19 young subjects (age: 24.9±3.2 years). The phase coherence between Delta [HbO2] and ABP oscillations in six frequency intervals (I, 0.6-2 Hz; II, 0.15-0.6 Hz; III, 0.05-0.15 Hz; IV, 0.02-0.05 Hz, V, 0.0095-0.02 Hz and VI, 0.005-0.0095 Hz) was analyzed using WPCO. The sit-to-stand posture change induces significantly lower WPCO in interval III (F=5.50 p=0.025) in the elderly subjects than in the young subjects. However, the stand-to-sit posture change induces higher WPCO in intervals II (F=5.25 p=0.028) and V (F=6.22 p=0.018) in the elderly subjects than in the young subjects. The difference of WPCO in response to posture change between the elderly and the young subjects indicates an altered CA due to aging. This study provides new insight into the dynamics of CA and may be useful in identifying the risk for dCA processes.

Cardiovascular Fitness and Cognitive Spatial Learning in Rodents and in Humans

The association between cardiovascular fitness and cognitive functions in both animals and humans is intensely studied. Research in rodents shows that a higher cardiovascular fitness has beneficial effects on hippocampus-dependent spatial abilities, and the underlying mechanisms were largely teased out. Research into the impact of cardiovascular fitness on spatial learning in humans, however, is more limited, and involves mostly behavioral and imaging studies. Herein, we point out the state of the art in the field of spatial learning and cardiovascular fitness. The differences between the methodologies utilized to study spatial learning in humans and rodents are emphasized along with the neuronal basis of these tasks. Critical gaps in the study of spatial learning in the context of cardiovascular fitness between the two species are discussed.

Cognitive performance in orthostatic hypotension: findings from a nationally representative sample

OBJECTIVES

To compare the cognitive profile of a population representative sample with orthostatic hypotension (OH) with the profile of a sample without.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional analysis of a prospective nationally representative population study.

SETTING

The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA).

PARTICIPANTS

TILDA participants (N = 5,936; mean age 63 ± 9, 54% female).

MEASUREMENTS

OH was defined as a drop of 20 mmHg or more in systolic blood pressure or of 10 mmHg or more in diastolic blood pressure on standing from a seated position. Cognitive performance was assessed using comprehensive cognitive tests measuring domains of global function, executive function, processing speed, attention, and memory, from which composite standardized scores were computed. Multivariate analysis controlling for potential confounders was performed to compare cognitive performance according to OH status.

RESULTS

Prevalence of OH was 6.1% (95% confidence interval = 5.4-6.7%). A significant negative association between OH status and global cognitive function (b = 0.21, P = .01) and memory (b = 0.26, P = .002) was found in women aged 65 and older after adjustment for demographic characteristics, mental health, cardiovascular disease, and medications (antihypertensive and antipsychotic), but other specific cognitive domains were not affected.

CONCLUSION

OH was associated with poorer global cognitive function and poorer memory, independent of potential confounders, in women in a large population-based sample of older adults. Longitudinal studies with concomitant assessment of cerebral perfusion are needed to determine causal relationships.

Altered oscillatory cerebral blood flow velocity and autoregulation in postural tachycardia syndrome

Decreased upright cerebral blood flow (CBF) with hyperpnea and hypocapnia is seen in a minority of patients with postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS). More often, CBF is not decreased despite upright neurocognitive dysfunction. This may result from time-dependent changes in CBF. We hypothesized that increased oscillations in CBF occurs in POTS (N = 12) compared to healthy controls (N = 9), and tested by measuring CBF velocity (CBFv) by transcranial Doppler ultrasound of the middle cerebral artery, mean arterial pressure (MAP) and related parameters, supine and during 70° upright tilt. Autospectra for mean CBFv and MAP, and transfer function analysis were obtained over the frequency range of 0.0078-0.4 Hz. Upright HR was increased in POTS (125 ± 8 vs. 86 ± 2 bpm), as was diastolic BP (74 ± 3 vs. 65 ± 3 mmHg) compared to control, while peripheral resistance, cardiac output, and mean CBFv increased similarly with tilt. Upright BP variability (BPV), low frequency (LF) power (0.04-0.13 Hz), and peak frequency of BPV were increased in POTS (24.3 ± 4.1, and 18.4 ± 4.1 mmHg(2)/Hz at 0.091 Hz vs. 11.8 ± 3.3, and 8.8 ± 2 mmHg(2)/Hz c at 0.071 Hz), as was upright overall CBFv variability, low frequency power and peak frequency of CBFv variability (29.3 ± 4.7, and 22.1 ± 2.7 [cm/s](2)/Hz at.092 Hz vs. 14.7 ± 2.6, and 6.7 ± 1.2 [cm/s](2)/Hz at 0.077Hz). Autospectra were sharply peaked in POTS. LF phase was decreased in POTS (-14 ± 4 vs. -25 ± 10 degrees) while upright. LF gain was increased (1.51 ± 0.09 vs. 0.86 ± 0.12 [cm/s]/ mmHg) while coherence was increased (0.96 ± 0.01 vs. 0.80 ± 0.04). Increased oscillatory BP in upright POTS patients is closely coupled to oscillatory CBFv over a narrow bandwidth corresponding to the Mayer wave frequency. Therefore combined increased oscillatory BP and increased LF gain markedly increases CBFv oscillations in a narrow bandwidth. This close coupling of CBF to MAP indicates impaired cerebral autoregulation that may underlie upright neurocognitive dysfunction in POTS.

Estrogen and cerebrovascular regulation in menopause

Estrogen (E2), classically viewed as a reproductive steroid hormone, has non-reproductive functions throughout the body including in the brain and vasculature. Studies report diminished neuroprotection with declining E2 levels, corresponding with higher incidence of cerebrovascular and neurological disease. However, the effects of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) on the cerebral vasculature and brain function remain controversial. This review will focus on evidence of 17β-estradiol actions in the cerebral vasculature, with a particular emphasis on the vasoactive, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, metabolic and molecular properties. Controversies surrounding MHT in relation to cerebrovascular disease and stroke risk will be discussed, particularly the emerging evidence from clinical trials supporting the critical period hypothesis of estrogen protection.

Longitudinal alterations in the dynamic autoregulation of optic nerve head blood flow revealed in experimental glaucoma

PURPOSE

To use a novel dynamic autoregulation analysis (dAR) to test the hypothesis that the optic nerve head (ONH) blood flow (BF) autoregulation is disrupted during early stages of experimental glaucoma (EG) in nonhuman primates.

METHODS

Retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT, assessed by optical coherence tomography) and ONH BF (assessed by laser speckle imaging technique) were measured biweekly before and after unilateral laser treatment to the trabecular meshwork. Each nonhuman primate was followed until reaching either an early stage of damage (RNFLT loss < 20%, n = 6) or moderate to advanced stages of damage (RNFLT loss > 20%, n = 9). At each test, dAR was assessed by characterizing ONH BF changes during the first minute of rapid manometrical intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation from 10 to 40 mm Hg. The dAR analysis extracted the following parameters: baseline BF, average BF 10 seconds before IOP elevation; BFΔmax, maximum BF change from baseline BF; Tr, time from baseline BF to the BFΔmax; Kr, average descending BF rate.

RESULTS

Mean postlaser IOP was 20.2 ± 5.9 and 12.3 ± 2.6 mm Hg in EG and control eyes, respectively (P < 0.0001). Compared with prelaser values, baseline BF was higher in early EG, but lower in moderate to advanced EG (P = 0.01). Tr was increased and Kr was reduced in both stages (P < 0.01). BFΔmax was smaller in the early EG (P = 0.05) and remained low in the moderate to advanced EG (P = 0.15). No changes in the parameters were observed in control eyes.

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic IOP elevation causes ONH autoregulation dysfunction in the early stage of EG, characterized by a disrupted BF response and delayed Tr, revealed by dAR analysis.

Model-based physiomarkers of cerebral hemodynamics in patients with mild cognitive impairment

In our previous studies, we have introduced model-based "functional biomarkers" or "physiomarkers" of cerebral hemodynamics that hold promise for improved diagnosis of early-stage Alzheimer's disease (AD). The advocated methodology utilizes subject-specific data-based dynamic nonlinear models of cerebral hemodynamics to compute indices (serving as possible diagnostic physiomarkers) that quantify the state of cerebral blood flow autoregulation to pressure-changes (CFAP) and cerebral CO2 vasomotor reactivity (CVMR) in each subject. The model is estimated from beat-to-beat measurements of mean arterial blood pressure, mean cerebral blood flow velocity and end-tidal CO2, which can be made reliably and non-invasively under resting conditions. In a previous study, it was found that a CVMR index quantifying the impairment in CO2 vasomotor reactivity correlates with clinical indications of early AD, offering the prospect of a potentially useful diagnostic tool. In this paper, we explore the use of the same model-based indices for patients with amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), a preclinical stage of AD, relative to a control subjects and clinical cognitive assessments. It was found that the model-based CVMR values were lower for MCI patients relative to the control subjects.

A multiscale 0-D/3-D approach to patient-specific adaptation of a cerebral autoregulation model for computational fluid dynamics studies of cardiopulmonary bypass

Neurological complication often occurs during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). One of the main causes is hypoperfusion of the cerebral tissue affected by the position of the cannula tip and diminished cerebral autoregulation (CA). Recently, a lumped parameter approach could describe the baroreflex, one of the main mechanisms of cerebral autoregulation, in a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) study of CPB. However, the cerebral blood flow (CBF) was overestimated and the physiological meaning of the variables and their impact on the model was unknown. In this study, we use a 0-D control circuit representation of the Baroreflex mechanism, to assess the parameters with respect to their physiological meaning and their influence on CBF. Afterwards the parameters are transferred to 3D-CFD and the static and dynamic behavior of cerebral autoregulation is investigated. The parameters of the baroreflex mechanism can reproduce normotensive, hypertensive and impaired autoregulation behavior. Further on, the proposed model can mimic the effects of anesthetic agents and other factors controlling dynamic CA. The CFD simulations deliver similar results of static and dynamic CBF as the 0-D control circuit. This study shows the feasibility of a multiscale 0-D/3-D approach to include patient-specific cerebral autoregulation into CFD studies.